AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-1E

Citation:  1.) No additional Information

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Pegg for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Pilot near Khe Sanh, Rep­ublic of Vietnam on 8 March 1968. On that date, Colonel Pegg flying a relatively slow A-1E Skyraider, penetrated through rain and low cloud ceilings into mountainous terrain to deliver classified ordnance on hostile forces who were attacking and in contact with friendly ground troops occupying a forward fortification. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Colonel Pegg pressed his attack into and through heavy hostile antiaircraft and automatic weapons to lay down his ordnance accurately from treetop level, then circled back to strafe the hostile positions still at low altitude and airspeed. This courageous and aggressive attack, pressed home in the face of superior odds, blunted the attack by opposing forces and provided a barrier against subsequent hostile movements. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Pegg reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Pegg for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Pilot in Southeast Asia on 5 May 1968. On that date, Colonel Pegg’s mission was to provide close air support for a friendly forward operating base which was under attack. Despite the constant exposure and vulnerability to small arms and automatic weapons fire, he made numerous attacks, most at treetop level, delivering his ordnance on target against an overrun outpost of vital importance with results so devastating that the outpost was recaptured by friendly forces, relieving the attack on the main base. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Peg reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.