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 Captain Edward R. Breen for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130B Aircraft Commander at Ham Nghi Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 February 1971. On that date, Captain Breen flew a combat essential bladder bird mission to this forward operating base near the Laotian border. His aircraft had suffered some battle damage earlier in the day when a rocket attack struck nearby. However, the requirement for fuel was so vital at Ham Nghi that Captain Breen continued his mission. With a sharp loss of fuel in his own aircraft number two tank, he was forced to make a go around as another aircraft crashed before him. A successful landing and defueling took place near the burning exploding helicopter, and then a successful recovery through hostile fire, with minimum fuel was made. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Breen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.