AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Sostenes F. Suazo for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Navigator in Laos on 3 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, he directly assisted in the damage or destruction of 27 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of numerous secondary fires and explosions. Although confronted with intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, he contributed immeasurably to this highly successful interdiction strike against the hostile supply system through accurate planning, superb utilization from the fire control system and precise positioning of the aircraft. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Suazo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Major Sostenes F. Suazo for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Navigator over Laos on 25 March 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 26 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of five secondary fires and 15 secondary explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 520 rounds of hostile antiaircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Suazo reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force,