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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Earl W. Pitts for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander over hostile territory on 11 February 1971. On that date, Colonel Pitts led a flight of two F-4D Tactical Fighters on a mission against hostile forces who were attempting to overrun friendly positions. Despite the hazards of low-level delivery in mountainous terrain, marginal weather, and hostile automatic weapons fire, Colonel Pitts repeatedly delivered his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy inflicting heavy damage to the hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Pitts reflect great credit upon himself and the United Sates Air Force.