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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Charles T. Burford for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Flight Engineer at Dak To II, Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 May 1969. On that date, Sergeant Burford's crew was diverted from the scheduled mission to fly a combat essential mission into Dak To II. Sergeant Burford immediately prepared the aircraft for landing in a high threat area. Due to intensive ground fire, they were forced to circle overhead for more than forty-five minutes. However, based on the obvious need for the delivery of their cargo Sergeant Burford's crew successfully landed, off-loaded and took off again while under direct and heavy attack. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Burford reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.