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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Frederick L. Thompson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Long Thanh North Airfield, Republic of Vietnam on 15 April 1971. On that date, he directed a highly successful airstrike against a bunker complex in support of the Royal Thai Army Volunteer Force. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire directed at his unarmed aircraft, he placed accurate marking rockets on the target for the strike aircraft. As a result, seventeen bunkers were destroyed and a great deal of equipment captured. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.