Nacey Kent, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Nacey Kent, Jr., Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an AC-47 Flight Engineer in the 4th Air Commando Squadron (Fire Support), 14th Air Commando Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in action near Pleiku, Republic of Vietnam on 5 May 1968. On that date, Sergeant Kent and the AC-47 crew were defending Pleiku Air Base against a hostile mortar and rocket attack when their aircraft was critically damaged by a hostile projectile. Although Sergeant Kent’s leg was broken in the ensuing crash, he helped the enlisted crew to evacuate, reentered the burning aircraft to carry the seriously wounded navigator to safety, and then entered the aircraft again to aid the other crew members and to fight the fire. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Sergeant Kent reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.