Dan Heller 
AMONG THE BRAVE
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM MAJOR HANS DETHLEFSEN
MEDAL OF HONOR
“The President of the United States of America, in the name of the Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to MAJOR MERLYN HANS DETHLEFSEN, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 354th Tactical fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, near Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam on 10 March 1967. MAJOR DETHLEFSEN was one of a flight of F-105 aircraft engaged in a fire suppression mission designed to destroy a key anti-aircraft defensive complex containing surface-to-air (SAM), an exceptionally heavy concentration of anti-aircraft artillery, and other automatic weapons. The defensive network was situated to dominate the approach and provide protection to an important North Vietnam industrial center that was scheduled to be attacked by fighter bombers immediately after the suppression strike by MAJOR DETHLEFSEN’s flight. In the initial attack on the defensive complex the lead aircraft was crippled, and MAJOR DETHLEFSEN’s aircraft was extensively damaged by the intense enemy fire. Realizing that the success of the impending fighter-bomber attack on the industrial center now depended on his ability to effectively suppress the defensive fire, MAJOR DETHLEFSEN ignored the enemy’s overwhelming firepower and the damage to his own aircraft and pressed his attack. Despite a continuing hail of anti-aircraft fire, deadly surface-to-air missiles, and counterattacks by MIG interceptors, MAJOR DETHLEFSEN flew repeated close range strikes to silence the enemy defensive positions with bombs and cannon fire. His actions in rendering ineffective the defensive SAM and anti-aircraft artillery sites enabled the ensuing fighter bombers to strike successfully the important industrial target without loss or damage to their aircraft, thereby appreciably reducing the enemy’s ability to provide essential war material. MAJOR DETHLEFSEN’s consummate skill and selfless dedication to this significant mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.”
The AIR FORCE CROSS was awarded to CAPTAIN KEVIN A. GILROY, USAF, for EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM as Major Dethlefsen’s Electronic Warfare Officer participating in the same heroic flight:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Kevin Alfred Gilroy, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Electronics Warfare Officer of an F-105 aircraft of the with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, engaged in a pre-strike, missile suppression mission against the Thai Nguyen Steel Works in North Vietnam on 10 March 1967. On that date, Captain Gilroy guided his pilot in attacking and destroying a surface-to-air missile installation protecting one of the most important industrial complexes in North Vietnam. He accomplished this feat even after formidable hostile defenses had destroyed the lead aircraft and had crippled a second. Though his own aircraft suffered extensive battle damage and was under constant attack by MiG interceptors, anti-aircraft artillery, automatic weapons, and small arms fire, Captain Gilroy aligned several ingenious close range attacks on the hostile defenses at great risk to his own life. Due to his technical skill, the attacks were successful and the strike force was able to bomb the target without loss. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Captain Gilroy has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Vietnam Air Losses Record for Captain Kevin Gilroy shot down and rescued 7 August 1966.
Find-a-Grave
