AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OV-10

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Ralph H. Thurman for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 23 April 1973. On that date, while piloting a lightly armed OV-10 aircraft in support of a supply convoy attempting to reach the besieged city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Lieutenant Thurman directed five flights of tactical aircraft against heavily defended enemy troop concentrations that were assaulting the convoy. Despite antiaircraft artillery fire, Lieutenant Thurman made consecutive rocket passes to accurately mark the hostile mortar and rocket positions. His perseverance in the direction of the support operation resulted in the supply convoy reaching its destination without a casualty. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Thurman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.