AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4B, F-4J

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Vernon L. Vanhise for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 26 June 1968, First Lieutenant Vanhise launched as Wingman in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a Marine unit that was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying fortified positions northwest of Dong Ha. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the proximity of friendly and enemy positions would require precise ordnance delivery. Despite the rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, he unhesitatingly commenced a determined attack upon the hostile emplacements and immediately came under a heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly maneuvered his Phantom through the intense hostile fire, delivering his ordnance with devastating effectiveness. Ignoring the automatic weapons fire being directed at his aircraft, he skillfully executed two subsequent strafing runs against the enemy positions. His bold initiative and exceptional airmanship inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in his flight accounting for fifty-three North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. First Lieutenant Vanhise's courage, superior aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Vernon L. Vanhise for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 1 July 1968, First Lieutenant Vanhise launched as Wingman in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a friendly unit which was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force south of the Khe Sanh Combat Base. As he proceeded through dense overcast to the designated area, he learned that the friendly force was within fifty meters of the enemy emplacements and that the restricted visibility and mountainous terrain appeared to render close air support infeasible. Arriving over the beleaguered unit's position, he alertly located both forces' positions and unhesitatingly commenced his attack, immediately coming under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly maneuvered his Phantom through the intense hostile fire during repeated attacks and delivered his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy causing the enemy to flee in panic and confusion. Alertly observing the retreating hostile soldiers, he skillfully adjusted his attack pattern and placed his ordnance on the enemy with devastating effectiveness. His resolute determination and superior aeronautical ability inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in his section destroying five enemy emplacements and accounting for twenty-five North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed. First Lieutenant Vanhise's courage, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.