AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  B-52

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Raymond J. Schalk, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Co-pilot of the 4133d Bombardment Wing (Provisional), Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on 7 July 1967. On that date, while engaged in combat operations in Southeast Asia, Captain Schalk was assisting his Aircrew Commander in flying close visual formation with two other bombers, when a mid-air collision occurred between the two other aircraft. Captain Schalk, having lost his interphone and radio communications due to his aircraft penetrating the concussion and fireball of the collision, ascertained that the Aircrew Commander had control of the aircraft, then left his ejection seat to personally inform the other crew members that immediate bailout was not imminent, and that their aircraft was airworthy. Captain Schalk performed this act with extreme risk to himself and with high regard for the lives of his fellow crew members. The outstanding heroism and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Captain Schalk reflect great credit upon himself and the United Sates Air Force.