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

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 6 October 1967. On that date, Captain Sweeney supported the extraction of a Marine Corps patrol which was besieged by intense automatic weapons fire, critically short of ammunition and in danger of taking heavy casualties. Faced with adverse weather and mountainous terrain, Captain Sweeney completely disregarded his own personal safety and directed the safe extraction of this fourteen-man patrol, although he was exposed to hostile ground fire for nearly three hours. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Sweeney reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.