AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Theodore G. Vallas for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Pilot Systems Operator over Southeast Asia on 6 May 1971. On that date, while operating at night as an escort for a AC-130 Gunship, and hampered by marginal weather conditions, Captain Vallas directed his aircraft in multiple high angle bombing passes on antiaircraft artillery positions firing at his aircraft and the gunship. In spite of the intense and accurate antiaircraft fire directed at the aircraft, his determined efforts and exceptional bombing accuracy resulted in the silencing of several hostile gun emplacements. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Vallas 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 Captain Theodore G. Vallas for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4E Pilot Systems Operator over Southeast Asia on 27 August 1971. On that date, Captain Vallas was flying in the second aircraft of a formation of two fighter-bombers which was diverted from a scheduled mission in response to an urgent request for air support by a friendly position under attack by a numerically superior and well entrenched hostile force. In spite of marginal weather and adverse terrain, and disregarding the constant hostile ground fire, Captain Vallas directed his aircraft in repeated low-angle bomb and strafe passes which resulted in fourteen bunkers destroyed or heavily damaged, one confirmed and many probable hostile troop fatalities, and complete dispersal of the forces attacking the friendly position. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Vallas reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.