AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Philip K. Sherman, Jr., for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot of a jet aircraft while attached to and serving with Light Photographic Squadron Sixty-three, Detachment Forty-three, embarked in USS Coral Sea (CVA43), on 17 September 1967. Lieutenant (junior grade) Sherman was the flight leader of a two-plane photographic reconnaissance mission to conduct bomb damage assessment of the Haiphong railway-highway bridge in the port city of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Displaying exceptional foresight and planning, he positioned himself in relation to the strike group so that he could make a direct run over the target immediately following the attack. As he crossed the coast, it became evident that the smoke rising from the target would preclude any usable photography. He, therefore, elected to orbit well within the range of three threatening SAM sites and several anti-aircraft batteries until a successful run could be made. Lieutenant (junior grade) Sherman then made the decision to proceed across the city when the area appeared clear, accelerating and descending so as to reach the targert at this pre-planned altitude and speed. As he crossed the city, his aircraft was severely threatened by missile guidance radar signals and surrounded by bursting anti-aircraft fire of all calibers. In spite of the acute personal danger involved, Lieutenant (junior grade) Sherman maintained the wings level run necessary to obtain clear and definitive sereoscopic bomb damage assessment coverage. After his aircraft passed over the bridge, he elected to obtain photo coverage of the shipping in the harbor by flying a circuitous and extremely bazardous routing. Lieutenant (junior grade) Sherman's skillful planning, aggressive airmanship and dedication to duty while engaging the enemy were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.