AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant Calvin E. Richards for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-47 Aerial Gunner over the Republic of Vietnam on 18 February 1966. On that date, Sergeant Richards, participated in a mission to provide close air fire support to the embattled defenders of a rescue recovery site which was being overrun by hostile forces. Arriving over the target, Sergeant Richards braved intense anti-aircraft fire while performing duty on the aircraft in extremely hazardous mountainous terrain to press the attack on the hostile forces. The attack was continued at low altitudes in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire until fuel shortage became so critical that departure became necessary. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Richards 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 Technical Sergeant Calvin E. Richards for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Aerial Gunner of an AC-47 aircraft in Operation Paul Revere II over the Republic of Vietnam on 2 August 1966. On that date, Sergeant Richards and his crew made a night penetration into an area obscured by zero-zero weather and brought the AC-47 guns to bear on hostile forces, which were about to annihilate a friendly force. Circling well within range of a hail of heavy automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Richards and his crew neutralized hostile mortar positions and scattered the hostile infantry. The bravery and skill of Sergeant Richards and his crew were the key factors which saved the friendly force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Richards reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.