The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
DETHLEFSEN, MERLYN HANS
Rank and organization: Major (then Capt.),
U.S. Air Force. Place and date: In the air over North Vietnam, 10 March 1967. Entered
service at: Royal, lowa. Born: 29 June 1934, Greenville, lowa.
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 counterattacks
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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