AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  HH-53

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 copilot in Southeast Asia on 20 March 1970. On that date, Captain Lindgren flew an extremely hazardous mission into one of the most heavily fortified hostile areas in Southeast Asia in an effort to rescue a downed American airman. Although wounded by hostile ground fire during the early stages of the rescue effort, Captain Lindgren disregarded his own injury in order to pursue the recovery attempt. Captain Lindgren provided an important communicatins relay with the other rescue forces and kept the aircraft commander accurately advised on the status of critical aircraft system. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lindgren reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

1.) Captain John O. Lindgren, Jr. is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Aircraft Commander of an HH-53 rescue helicopter near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 September 1970. On that date, Captain Lindgren's exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship, displayed under difficult conditions, culminated in the rescue of an injured United States Air Force pilot. Captain Lindgren lowered a pararescueman to the ground, withdrew while he assessed the survivor's injuries, and then returned to pick up the survivor and the pararescueman, preventing possible death or capture by hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Lindgren reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.