Air Force Cross
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Full Text Citations For Award of
The Air Force Cross in Vietnam
DORSETT, TRACEY K., JR.
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Date of Action: February 8, 1968
Citation:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Tracey K. Dorsett, Jr., Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 8 February 1968. On that date, Captain Dorsett led two aircraft against one of the largest, most important, and most heavily defended airfields in North Vietnam. Despite inclement weather, Captain Dorsett descended to extremely low altitude for a visual high-speed run across the airfield. Although faced with a barrage of withering antiaircraft artillery fire which severely crippled his aircraft, Captain Dorsett resolutely and skillfully pressed his attack against the target, damaging and destroying several aircraft on the ground. He was finally forced to eject over hostile territory. He successfully evaded hostile search parties and was subsequently rescued by a friendly helicopter. As a result of his actions, Captain Dorsett was successful in neutralizing a threat to Free World forces in Southeast Asia. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Dorsett reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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