AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  EA-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ronald G. Schwenkler for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron One, Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning of 22 May 1967, Captain Schwenkler launched as Electronic Warfare Pilot aboard an EA-6A in support of an attack mission over north central North Vietnam. Displaying exceptional professional ability, he accurately determined the best approach to the target for maximum support while simultaneously anticipating the threats involved in flying through a highly efficient and mobile surface-to-air mission environment. Demonstrating outstanding airmanship, he maneuvered his EA-6A into the precise orbit desired despite extremely limited aids to long-range navigation. Unarmed, lacking missile defense equipment and unsupported by fighter aircraft in an area of high probability of encounters with hostile aircraft, Captain Schwenkler completely disregarded his own safety and courageously entered and re-entered the dangerous surface-to-air missile envelopes, maintaining an orbit that successfully thwarted enemy hits on the strike aircraft, as they delivered their ordnance. Keenly alert, he began his return flight and observed a missile closing in on his aircraft. Reacting instantly and displaying complete composure in the face of extreme peril, he took evasive action by skillfully maneuvering his heavily loaded EA-6A at maximum speed in a diving spiral that successfully avoided the missile, descending from 24,000 feet to 11,000 feet over terrain where mountains approached a height of 10,000 feet. Captain Schwenkler's superior airmanship, courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.