AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-100

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jay E. Riedel for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Tactical Fighter Pilot near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam on 4 December 1969. On that date, Captain Riedel flew his aircraft from alert status in response to urgently requested close air support for elements of a friendly Regiment completely surrounded by a large hostile force. With complete disregard for his personal safety, despite intense automatic weapons fire, poor visibility and a ceiling of less than 800 feet, friendly forces within 75 meters of the target, and a highly vulnerable restricted attack heading, Captain Riedel elected to make repeated low-angle ordnance passes to insure pinpoint accuracy and total target coverage, thus completely blunting the hostile offensive. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Riedel 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 Jay E. Riedel for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Tactical Fighter Pilot near Dak ___, Republic of Vietnam on 14 April 1970. On that date, Captain Riedel led his flight to provide close air support for friendly forces who were under attack from a hostile recoiling rifle position. Despite the fact that his attack was severely restricted by low clouds, mountainous terrain and the close proximity of friendly forces, Captain Riedel made repeated low-angle ordnance deliveries through heavy hostile ground fire to completely destroy the gun position. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Riedel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.