Charles Edwin Engle

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Charles Edwin Engle (310467639), Captain, U.S. Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of an O-1 aircraft of the 56th Special Operations Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, in Southeast Asia on 20 June 1970. On that date, while attempting to pinpoint a downed pilot’s location, Captain Engle’s aircraft was met with a hail of gunfire which severed the fuel line, drenching the aircraft and pilot. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Engle continued his efforts to suppress surrounding ground fire positions. When the pilot was located, a pickup was attempted. During the attempt, the rescue aircraft helicopter received heavy automatic weapons fire. Realizing that the rescue aircraft was in extreme danger of being shot down, Captain Engle, again with complete disregard for his own safety, dove his aircraft between the gun position and the helicopter, thereby allowing the helicopter to safely break away. After the ground fire was suppressed, other aircraft moved in for a successful pickup. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and extraordinary heroism, Captain Engle reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.