AWARDED DFC: 3
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 John D. Schaaf for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Pilot near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam on 29 October 1967. On that date, Captain Schaaf flew one of two F-l00's supporting allied forces under heavy human wave attack during the Battle of Loc Ninh. Despite an intense barrage of anti­aircraft fire, Captain Schaaf made repeated low altitude passes while successfully repulsing the attack and destroying numerous mortar and automatic weapon sites. His heroic actions in the face of seemingly insurmountable hazards contributed materially to the successful defense of Loc Ninh and played a major role in one of the most significant allied victories thus far in the conflict in Southeast Asia. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Schaaf 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 (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain John D. Schaaf for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Pilot in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 November 1967. On that date, Captain Schaaf made repeated bomb and strafe passes on hostile forces as they breached the perimeter of a beleaguered Special Forces position. Bomb deliveries were made within 30 meters of friendly forces, necessitating the highest degree of accuracy asked of a fighter pilot. His keen perception of the delicate ground situation and his timely and accurate ordnance saved an untold number of lives and prevented the overrunning of the Special Forces Camp. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Schaaf reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain John D. Schaaf for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot near Can Tho, Republic of Vietnam on 6 January 1968. On that date, at night and with poor visibility due to fog, Captain Schaaf was scrambled from the Bien Hoa Air Base alert facility to provide support for a convoy of the Ninth Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division, which had been ambushed by a large hostile force. So well coordinated was the ambush that it had instantly destroyed the command and communications structure of the beleaguered friendly force. Realizing no one on the ground was prepared to properly identify the hostile positions, Captain Schaaf circled the target area, drawing tracer fire to his aircraft. In this manner, he was able to locate the numerous hostile gun positions. Now, although critically low on fuel, Captain Schaaf began delivering his ordnance with such outstanding accuracy and precision as to significantly reduce the hostile fire, making it possible for the convoy forces to regroup and establish a defensible perimeter. Throughout the period he provided close air support, Captain Schaaf made repeated low angle, low altitude deliveries through ground fire later described as both intense and accurate. Despite the obvious hazards, he continued undaunted to break the ambush and save untold number of friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Schaaf reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.