Richard A. Nagel, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Richard A. Nagel, Jr., Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a C-123 pilot in action at Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, on 26 November 1966. On that date, Captain Nagel’s aircraft was struck by intense, accurately directed hostile fire which caused an uncontrollable fire in the cargo compartment, rendered the flap system inoperative, and partially disabled the landing gear mechanism. Although blinded by smoke and on the verge of collapse from intense heat and fumes, Captain Nagel remained undaunted. As the fire engulfed the cargo compartment, passengers began to crowd the cockpit of the aircraft hampering his ability to maneuver the aircraft. Demonstrating superb airmanship and a profound regard for his fellow man, Captain Nagel continued to fly the crippled aircraft and executed a crash landing. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Nagel reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.