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

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-five embarked in U.S.S. Hancock (CVA 19). On 29 April 1972, Lieutenant Sapp was the leader of three sections of surface-to-air missile suppression aircraft during a large coordinated air wing strike in North Vietnam. After assumng his assigned station, his aircraft was simultaneously illuminated by two surface-to-air missile tracking radars. He immediately fired a missile at one site, and as he began his attack on the second site, two surface-to-air missils were launched at his flight. He fired his remaining missile at the second site. Violent defensive maneuvering enabled him to narrowly evade the missiles. He then executed a precision strafing attack on the missile site, destroying its tracking radar. His daring and aggressive attacks completely suppressed any further missile fire and were largely responsible for the fact that no aircraft were lost on the mission. Lieutenant Sapps courageous leaderhip and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) Lieutenant Dennis J. Sapp is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight while attached to Attack Squadron Fifty-five embarked on U.S.S. Hancock (CVA 19) as a pilot of jet aircarft. On 23 May 1972, Lieutenant Sapp was the leader of a section of surface-to-air missile suppression aircraft on a large air wing strike against a heavily defended storage area in Southeast Asis. Preceding the bomber division into the high threat area, narrowly evading two surface-to-air missiles and a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire directed at him, he succeeded in locating a heavily camouflaged surface-to-air missile site and in a single accurate attack, completely destroyed the radar vans and several missiles on launchers. He then took up his assigned station and by his aggressive action suppressed any further missile fire in the area. Lieutenant Sapp's couragous leadership and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest tradtions of the United States Naval Service.