AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  B-52G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Clyde A. Ketcham for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52G Fire Control Operator, Crew E-O5, while assigned to the 72nd Strategic Wing (Provisional), Anderson Air Force Base, Guam on 26 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Ketcham flew in a three ship B-52 formation that was launched against a high priority target near Hanoi, North Vietnam. Although exposed to hostile antiaircraft artillery, surface-to-air missiles, and air defense fighter aircraft, Sergeant Ketcham performed his duties with skill and courage to enable his crew to strike an assigned target and successfully accomplish the mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ketcham reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.