DETHLEFSEN, MERLYN HANS
Rank and organization: Major
(then Capt.), U.S. Air Force
Place: In the air over North Vietnam
Date: 10 March 1967
Entered service at: Royal, Iowa
Born: 29 June 1934, Greenville, Iowa
Citation:
Maj. Dethlefsen was 1 of a flight of F-105 aircraft engaged in a fire suppression
mission designed to destroy a key antiaircraft defensive complex containing
surface-to-air missiles (SAM), an exceptionally heavy concentration of antiaircraft
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 strike by Maj. Dethlefsen's flight. In the initial attack on the
defensive complex the lead aircraft was crippled, and Maj. Dethlefsen's
aircraft was extensively damaged by the intense enemy fire. Realizing that
the
success of the impending fighter bomber attack on the center now depended
on his ability to effectively suppress the defensive fire, Maj. Dethlefsen
ignored the enemy's overwhelming firepower and the damage to his aircraft
and pressed his attack. Despite a continuing hail of antiaircraft fire,
deadly surface-to-air missiles, and counter attacks by MIG interceptors,
Maj. Dethlefsen flew repeated close range strikes to silence the enemy defensive
positions with bombs and cannon fire. His action in rendering ineffective
the defensive SAM and antiaircraft 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. Maj. 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 his
country.
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