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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Robert L. Vanderwall for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Loadmaster at Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 February 9171. On that date, Sergeant Vanderwall flew repeated sorties into this field to resupply vitally needed supplies to friendly forces under direct threat from nearby hostile forces. Despite heavy ground fire during all phases of offloading, Sergeant Vanderwall accomplished the speed offloading in minimum time reducing exposure to the hostile attacks. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Vanderwall reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.