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

Citation:  1.) The AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS TO BERNARD D. PENNINGTON Technical Sergeant Bernard D. Pennington distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights as Duty Controller aboard the Seventh Air Force Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center, on 7 March 1968. On that date, an unexpected improvement in weather conditions over vital North Vietnamese supply routes exposed massive concentrations of vehicles, supplies, and air defense systems. Sergeant Pennington reacted immediately, providing and directing a continuous flow of air strikes into the area. Although orbiting hostile territory and working many hours under heavy stress without relief, he effectively controlled battle, which resulted in extremely heavy losses to hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Pennington reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.