AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  O-1E/F, F-100D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John W. Postgate, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller at Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam on 28 September 1965. On that date, Captain Postgate took off in his unarmed observation aircraft from a small unlighted runway during a mortar attack and proceeded to Duc Lap compound. Despite poor weather, a battle-damaged aircraft and intense and accurate hostile fire, Captain Postgate directed combat missions with devastating effect throughout the night. His timely and courageous actions inflicted heavy casualties on the unfriendly forces and saved an outnumbered Army Republic of Vietnam unit from almost certain annihilation. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Postgate 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 Captain John W. Postgate, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an O-1F pilot of the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, near Bac Trai, Republic of Vietnam on 18 December 1965. On that date, Captain Postgate launched a light observation aircraft from a small remote airstrip at night while the field was under mortar attack. His aircraft was damaged by intense hostile automatic fire while directing fighter aircraft, helicopters and flare ships over the area. Without regard for his personal welfare, Captain Postgate landed, refueled and flew a second sortie in support of the operation under extremely hazardous conditions. His superior professional skill and courage contributed greatly in securing the friendly position and inflicting heavy casualties upon the opposing force. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Postgate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John W. Postgate, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Trang Bang, Republic of Vietnam on 13 January 1966. On that date, Captain Postgate, after taking off on a routine visual reconnaissance mission, received a distress message from an Army observation aircraft. The pilot had just been wounded while covering a friendly Vietnamese battalion that had been ambushed. Captain Postgate flew directly to the battle area, but due to inadequate air-ground communication, was forced to make several low level passes over the fire fight in order to determine the hostile positions and strength. He quickly analyzed the battle situation, requested air strikes, and corrected artillery fire on the target. During this action, Captain Postgate's aircraft was hit by automatic weapons fire several times, destroying the radio. In spite of this, Captain Postgate's courage, skill, knowledge, and experience enabled him to continue to place ordnance on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Postgate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John W. Postgate, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot to Southeast Asia on 31 January 1968. On that date, Major Postgate was scrambled from the alert pad at Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam during the defense of the city of Ban Me Thout. A hostile ground force was in control of the southeast quarter of the city. Because of the reduced visibility, Major Postgate had to circle very low over the hostile fire to pinpoint the positions of the hostilities. Major Postgate made several passes, placing his ordnance presentably without damage to any of the friendly positions. Due to the very close proximity of both forces, Major Postgate accurately and without regard for his own personal safety, flew at the lowest possible level to deliver his ordnance with performances beyond military standards. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Postgate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

5.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John W. Postgate, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Tactical Fighter Pilot at Ban Me Thout, Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. On that date, Major Postgate participated in a close air support mission in defense of Ban Me Thout which was being overrun by a hostile force. Despite poor visibility and intense automatic and small arms fire he continued his low altitude attacks to deliver his ordnance with unerring accuracy. The swiftness of this devastating attack by Major Postgate saved many American lives and inflicted heavy casualties on the unfriendly force. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Postgate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.