AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-100

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aeral flight as an F-100 pilot near Ca Mau, Republic of Vietnam on 3 May 1967. On that date, Captain Loftus was scrambled from the Bien Hoa alert pad to strike an estimated two battalions of hostile forces in the heavy mangrove swamps of the U Minh Forest. Hostile fire in the target area was intense and accurate, and one Forward Air Controller had been forced to withdraw after being hit by .50 caliber ground fire. Despite poor visibility, extremely low ceilings, and intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, Captain Loftus immediately commenced his attack. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Loftus made repeated passes through the hostile fire, delivering all ordnance precisely on target. His courageous and devastating attack silenced numerous automatic weapons positions and destroyed highly valuable elements of the hostile force. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Loftus reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.