AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4D (3 DFC's) C-123 (1 DFC)

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting The Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Denver R. Rawlings for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-123K Navigator in Southeast Asia on the night of 7 January 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Rawlings flew an extremely hazardous mission of unarmed night reconnaissance, flare support, and forward air control against hostile vehicles carrying vital supplies and ammunition. With unwavering calmness and courage, he directed a series of air strikes against these targets, and in spite of intense antiaircraft fire, pressed the attack to its successful conclusion. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Rawlings reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting The Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Denver R. Rawlings, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon System Officer deep within hostile territory on 27 June 1972. On that date, Captain Rawlings participated in a flight of four F-4 Phantoms on an extremely hazardous and important strike support mission over Hanoi, North Vietnam. This mission required that the flight execute a precise and non-maneuvering course over Hanoi, despite the hostile defenses that might be encountered. Without regard for personal safety, Captain Rawlings flew through intense barrages of antiaircraft fire and lethal aerial balloon mines until his leader was suddenly struck down by a hostile surface-to-air missile. Despite this great shock and the continuing threats, Captain Rawlings continued with his mission to its successful completion. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Rawlings reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting The Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Denver R. Rawlings, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon System Officer over hostile territory on 4 July 1972. On that date, Captain Rawlings was assigned to strike a hostile convoy and storage area filled with military supplies of critical value to the opposing forces. Although faced with total darkness, poor weather, high winds and numerous lethal barrages of antiaircraft fire, Captain Rawlings successfully pressed his attack and was credited with the destruction of large amounts of supplies and equipment. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Rawlings reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting The Distinguished Flying Cross (Third Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain Denver R. Rawlings for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Weapon Systems Officer over Southeast Asia on 15 October 1972. On that date, Captain Rawlings flew a combat air patrol mission to defend an important strike force in the vicinity of Kep, North Vietnam. Despite menacing weather, the constant threat of surface-to-air missiles and antiaircraft fire, and attack by numerous hostile interceptors he bravely continued his defense until one hostile fighter had (been) destroyed and the others dispersed. His skillful and courageous achievement contributed immeasurably to the success of this important air operation. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Rawlings reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.