AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  A-4

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Attack Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1968, Captain Krimminger departed the Chu Lai Air Base as Wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to support a friendly unit which, after being inserted in hostile territory near the Ashau Valley, was subsequently surrounded by a numerically superor North Vietnamese Army force and in danger of being overrun. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that eight helicopters had previously been downed by hostile fire while attempting to aid the besieged unit, which critically needed air support to cover its withdrawal to a more secure position for extraction. Despite low cloud cover which forced him to remain at an extremely low altitude continually exposed to intense automatic weapons fire, Captain Krimminger unhesitatingly commenced his attack. Skillfully maneuvering his aircraft through the hazardous mountains, he delivered his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy on enemy positions within fifty meters of the ground unit. Undaunted by accurate ground fire, he fearlessly executed repeated bombing and strafing runs on the hostile force until his ordnance was expended. His heroic actions and bold initiative were instrumental in enabling the fiendly unit to move to a secure landing zone from which it was subsequently extracted. Captain Krimminger's courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) Major Thomas W. Krimminger is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack, Squadron 311, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 22 April 1968, Major Krimminger launched as Wingman in a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to provide close air support for elements of the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. The friendly unit was deploying for an assault upon a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions in the village of Thon Kim Doi, twelve miles northwest of Phy Bai. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the proximity of friendly and enemy positions would require precise ordnance delivery. Despite adverse weather conditions, Major Krimminger unhesitatingly commenced a series of determined attacks upon the hostile emplacements, and on the second approach, his aircraft suddenly came under an intense volume of hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly maneuvered his Skyhawk over the hazardous target area, delivering his ordnance with devasting effectiveness and silencing the enemy fire. When the controller diverted him to a second target, Major Krimminger, expended his remaining bombs with pinpoint accuracy and then fearlessly executed a strafing run upon the North Vietnamese Army positions. His superb airmanship and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his flight accounting for approximately a platoon of North Vietnamese soldiers killed and numerous enemy structures destroyed. Major Krimminger's courage, superior aeronautical ability, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger contributed significantly in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.