AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  B-52D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David R. Verploegh for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Navigator on 23 April 1972. On that date, while flying a B-52 bombing mission in Southeast Asia against a high-priority target, Captain Verploegh’s aircraft sustained severe damage from hostile fire just prior to the target area. As the crew elected to continue on, Captain Verploegh dynamically assisted in the successful weapons release on the assigned target and in the safe recovery of the aircraft and crewmen. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Verploegh 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 David R. Verploegh for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Navigator, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, on 28 December 1972. On that date, Captain Verploegh was flying on a high priority mission against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite the hazards presented by numerous surface-to-air- missiles, Captain Verploegh released his ordnance precisely on target and safely egressed from the high threat area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Verploegh reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Captain David R. Verploegh for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Navigator in Southeast Asia from 18 December 1972 to 24 December 1972. During this period, Captain Verploegh flew four night bombing missions against heavily defended, vital military targets in North Vietnam. Despite hostile fighter interceptors, numerous surface-to-air missiles, and high caliber antiaircraft artillery, Captain Verploegh, with complete disregard for his personal safety, penetrated these defenses and released his ordnance precisely on target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Verploegh reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.