AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-4E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Commander Glen E. Simerly, United States Navy, for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the pilot of an A4E aircraft while attached to and serving with Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing Seven staff, flying with Attack Squadron Seventy-Two, embarked in USS Independence (CVA 62). On 17 October 1965, Commander (then Lieutenant) Simerly led a division of A4E aircraft in a coordinated air wing strike on the Thai Nghyen Bridge located north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. The striking force was attacked by intense anti-aircraft fire enroute to the target. Commander Simerly was experiencing mechanical difficulties of abortive magnitude due to a fuel transfer problem in a drop tank but elected to continue the mission and maintain leadership. Arriving at the attacking point, Commander Simerly was unable to achieve fuel transfer from his faulty drop tank and his fuel state was less than that originally planned. With an aircraft whose maneuverability was somewhat restricted and reluctant to jettison the full drop tank at high speed with his flight in close proximity, Commander Simerly executed the pre-planned attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft artillery and automatic weapons fire. The well planned and precisely executed attack was highly successful and rendered this strategic target unserviceable. During the recovery phase, Commander Simerly safely jettisoned his drop tanks in the vicinity of the target. With a clean aircraft, retirement at low-level and high-speed was commenced. Proceeding alone and remaining south of the run-out course to save on fuel, Commander Simerly successfully reached the coast. Rendezvous with a tanker was effected and inflight refueling accomplished thereby allowing Commander Simerly to successfully complete this vital mission. The leadership, airmanship, judgment, devotion to duty, and heroic conduct displayed by Commander Simerly were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.