AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  C-130E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Roger E. Phelan, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Pilot for the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Kampong Trech, Cambodia, on 29 April 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Phelan flew a low-level tactical emergency airdrop of critically needed ammunition and supplies to a besieged concentration of allied forces located in a heavily defended hostile area. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and intense automatic weapons activity, using high risk tactics developed for this specific operation, Lieutenant Phelan, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, successfully delivered his cargo. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Phelan 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 Roger E. Phelan, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Pilot for the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Kontum Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 13 June 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Phelan flew an emergency resupply mission delivering supplies to the besieged friendly forces defending the city. Despite intense small arms and automatic weapons fire and the ever-present threat of rocket and mortar attack, Lieutenant Phelan delivered his vital cargo and air evacuated one hundred and fifty refugees from the hostile forward area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Phelan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.