AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4, A-7

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Kenneth T. Sanger for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-TWO, embarked in USS Ticonderoga (CVA-41) during search and rescue operations for a downed pilot in North Vietnam on 9 June 1968. Lieutenant Sanger, as flight leader of a rescue combat air patrol, led his flight against four active 37/57 mm anti-aircraft artillery sites which were hampering the rescue efforts directed toward the downed pilot located in close proximity to the guns. Displaying outstanding airmanship and courage, he elected to execute multiple attacks to better obtain maximum efficiency of his ordnance. Despite the extremely intense anti-aircraft fire which had already claimed other aircraft participating in rescue attempts, he acquired the targets and delivered his ordnance on them, destroying one site and damaging another. His bombing accuracy was a deciding factor in the ultimate rescue of the downed pilot. Lieutenant Sanger's uncommon courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Kenneth T. Sanger for heroism while participating in aerial flight while attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-six embarked in USS Midway (CVA-41), as a Pilot of jet aircraft. On 18 May 1972, Lieutenant Commander Sanger distinguished himself by his skill and courage while providing surface-to-air missile suppression for a multiple plane strike into Haiphong, North Vietnam. Disregarding his own personal safety, though under attack by missiles and heavy anti-aircraft fire, he executed accurate attacks against two sites, destroying one and forcing the other to cease tracking. He then remained in the target area under constant fire until all strike aircraft were safely over the water. Due to his outstanding airmanship and tactical employment of his weapons system, the enemy was denied full use of their defenses. Lieutenant Commander Sanger's uncommon valor and professionalism reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.