AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  U-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major George F. Prater (then Captain) for exceptionally meritorious actions on 15 June 1966 while serving as pilot of a U6A aircraft on a psychological warfare mission near Phu Loi. A B-52 bombing strike had been concluded in the vicinity of Michelon Rubber Plantation and Major Prater volunteered to fly a light plane over the area to exploit the effects of the ordnance on enemy troop concentrations. Although existing weather conditions were extremely marginal, he unhesitantly elected to attempt the mission. Shortly after the psychological leaflet drop had begun, the airplane suddenly began to lose altitude. Realizing that rain-soaked leaflets had adhered to and jammed the craft's elevator mechanism, Major Prater immediately veered his plane in a side slip causing some of the leaflets to break loose. After regaining partial control of the ship, he called upon all his flying experience and adeptly nursed the airplane in a slow ascent from the dangerously low altitude of only one hundred feet. Continuing to employ professional navigation techniques, he proceeded to a nearby airfield and executed a successful landing of the disabled aircraft. Major Prater's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.