AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  HH-53C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant John C. Kriletich for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Flight Engineer of an HH-53C helicopter near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on 1 June 1970. On that date, Sergeant Kriletich's exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship, displayed under extremely hazardous conditions, culminated in the rescue of ten United States Marines. The area where the survivors were located was mined, forcing the helicopter to hover over each man individually; Sergeant Kriletich guided his pilot into a precise hover over each man and carefully lowered the hoist directly into each man's arms, then hoisted him aboard. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kriletich reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Sergeant John C. Kriletich for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Flight Engineer of an HH-53C helicopter near Da Nang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 11 July 1970. On that date, Sergeant Kriletich's helicopter came from under intense opposing hostile fire while engaged in the rescue of a downed United States Marine pilot. He exposed himself in the open door of the helicopter to provide suppressive fire, making possible the safe return of the helicopter and crew and the prevention of death or capture of a fellow airman by opposing hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kriletich reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Staff Sergeant John C. Kriletich for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Flight Engineer of an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter near Da Nang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 20 January 1971. On that date, Sergeant Kriletich's exemplary knowledge and outstanding technical skill, displayed under hazardous conditions, culminated in the rescue of a United States Air Force aircrewman from probable drowning in the South China Sea. Sergeant Kriletich guided his pilot to the survivor and provided precise hover directions while skillfully lowering the rescue device and hoisting the survivor aboard the helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Kriletich reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.