AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4E, A-4C, A-7

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Wayne Paul Lotsberg for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as the pilot of an A4E Skyhawk while attached to Attack Squadron FIFTY-FIVE embarked in USS RANGER (CVA 61) on 8 May 1966. Lieutenant (junior grade) LOTSBERG distinguished himself by his courage and skill while attacking an important railroad bridge in the heavily defended Tho Trang marshaling yards. He pressed home is accurate attack despite the intense enemy AAA and automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft. Dropping his six 500 pound bombs with lethal accuracy, he demolished the bridge. His superbly demonstrated courage and skill deprived the enemy of a vital link in their rail transportation system. Lieutenant (junior grade) LOTSBERG's gallant and professional actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Wayne Paul Lotsberg for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as the pilot of a jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron FIFTY-FIVE embarked in USS CONSTELLATION (CVA 64), on 3 October 1967. Lieutenant (junior grade) LOTSBERG was the section leader in a division of A4C SKYHAWKS during a major strike against the strategically important LOC BINH highway bridge southeast of Lang Son, North Vietnam. In an outstanding display of singular weapons delivery skill he placed all his bombs precisely on target completely destroying one span of the bridge. Retiring from the target area, Lieutenant (junior grade) LOTSBERG was informed that a pilot had been shot down north of Haiphong. After inflight refueling his aircraft, he proceeded to the area of the downed pilot. In the face of continuous enemy fire he conducted a search at low altitude until locating and establishing contact with the pilot. Lieutenant (junior grade) LOTSBERG's eagerness to help others despite great personal risk and his superb airmanship under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Wayne Paul Lotsberg for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as the pilot of a jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX embarked in USS MIDWAY (CVA-41) On 17 May 1972. Lieutenant LOTSBERG launched as a wingman in a section of aircraft assigned the task of surface-to-air missile suppression for a coordinated air wing strike into North Vietnam. After crossing the coast, Lieutenant LOTSBERG's flight was diverted from the original flight plan to aid in the rescue of a downed pilot from another carrier. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire encountered in the rescue area, Lieutenant LOTSBERG rolled in on the source and skillfully delivered his ordnance, scoring direct hits on an active shore battery. His section then came under attack from a surface-to-air missile site. In the face of five missiles, he aggressively launched anti-radiation missiles, silencing this threat. Despite continuous anti-aircraft opposition, he provided support until the rescue was successfully completed. The extraordinary aerial skill and devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant LOTSBERG reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.