AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  O-2A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Harold G. Mercer for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 12 December 1970. On that night, Lieutenant Mercer directed tactical air power in support of an allied convoy which had been ambushed by a large hostile force. Lieutenant Mercer then diverted to a different area approximately 20 miles away and, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, made repeated marking passes and directed tactical air power despite heavy ground-to-air fire in support of another allied unit in contact with hostile forces. As a result of his actions, the contact was broken in both instances and many friendly lives were saved. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mercer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Harold G. Mercer for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 23 February 1971. On that date, he flew in support of friendly troops in contact with a large hostile force. Disregarding intense anti-aircraft fire, he repeatedly dove his unarmed aircraft at the hostile positions to mark targets for the strike aircraft. Because of his actions many lives were saved. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed Lieutenant Mercer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.