AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander George A. Carlton for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron Two Hundred Fifteen, embarked in USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31) on 22 May 1967. As the Search and Rescue Commander flying an A1H Skyraider aircraft, Commander Carlton planned and executed a daring night mission which contributed directly to the successful rescue of a Pilot downed in rugged mountainous terrain in North Vietnam. The area was well within the surface-to-air missile envelope and within range of the major MIG fighter base at Kep. The planning was so well conceived and execution so precise that even though the exact location was unknown and, in the dark of night, he was able to penetrate the flak-filled coastline, pinpoint the location and then guide the rescue helicopter to within 50 feet of the downed airman. When intense automatic weapons fire wounded an aircrewman and damaged the helicopter, Commander Carlton, with his aircraft lights brightly flashing and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, executed a long, low-level strafing run attacking the muzzle flashes of the enemy guns. This drew the enemy fire toward his own aircraft, thereby allowing the helicopter to escape without further damage. At first light the following morning a second rescue group, armed with invaluable intelligence supplied by Commander Carlton on the exact location, terrain features and the enemy's order of battle, successfully recovered the downed airman. Commander Carlton's meticulous planning, courageous action and superb aerial leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.