AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Richard A. Lentz for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Navigator for the 776th Tactical Airlift Squadron near Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 January 1972. On that date, using Lieutenant Lentz’s skillful precomputation and accurate area orientation, the crew blocked a vital hostile controlled supply road, destroyed four bunkers and a supply truck, and severely damaged a 37 mm gunsite. Lieutenant Lentz’s complete and thorough understanding of the airborne delivery system was responsible for this successful mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lentz reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.