AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-130E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain LaVerne R. Tech for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130E Instructor Pilot for the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Kampong Trech, Cambodia, on 30 April 1972. On that date, Captain Tech flew a night low level tactical emergency airdrop of critically needed ammunition and fuel to a besieged concentration of allied forces located in a heavily defended hostile area. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and intense automatic weapons activity, using high risk tactics developed for this specific operation, Captain Tech delivered his cargo on target and on time. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Tech reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.