AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OV-10

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Thomas A. Shircliff for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam on 19 January 1970. On that date, Major Shircliff took off to support elements of “B” Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry. Arriving on the scene, Major Shircliff found visibility extremely limited due to smoke and haze and sunset rapidly approaching. With professional skill and airmanship, Major Shircliff was able to control and coordinate two flights of F-100’s, resulting in twelve hostile soldiers killed and the contact with friendly troops was broken. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Shircliff reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.