AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  F-4C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles N. Nielsen for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot in Southeast Asia on 13 October 1967. On that date, Captain Nielsen was Lead Pilot in a flight of fighters scrambled to the aid of a friendly long-range reconnaissance platoon in heavy contact with a superior hostile force. With great aerial teamwork and crew coordination, Captain Nielsen pressed the attack lower and lower to attain the most precise bombing accuracy. A great deal of credit for the successful extraction of the beleaguered long-range reconnaissance platoon was given to Captain Nielsen for his determination and weapons accuracy in the face of intense hostile ground fire, rugged terrain, and marginal weather conditions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Nielsen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.