A brief history of FAC aircraft in Vietnam & in particular, The Cessna O-2A.forward air controller, 1st australian task force, cessna o-2a, aerial reconnaissance -- united states, vietnam war, 1961-1975 -- aerial operations, american

Squadron Leader Alan Reed from the Royal Australian Air Force 052363 served in Vietnam from 26 May 1968 until 20 November 1968. He spent most of his tour detached to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, US Air Force. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in June 1989 for his service to the RAAF as Air Officer Commanding, Support Command. For his service with the USAF, Alan Reed was awarded the United States Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster. His final rank with the Air Force was Air Vice Marshal and his last posting was with Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (RAAF Element) The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The medal was established on July 2, 1926, and is currently awarded to any persons who, after April 6, 1917, distinguish themselves by single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Both heroism and extraordinary achievement are entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine. The medal may be awarded to friendly foreign military members in ranks equivalent to U.S. Pay Grade of O-6 and below, in combat in support operations.Distinguished Flying Cross medal in a wooden frame with glass front. Gold coloured medal described as "First Oak Leaf Cluster" attached to blue, white and red striped ribbon mounted on navy blue velvet.distinguished flying cross, alan reed, united states air force, vietnam, squadron leader alan reed, royal australian air force, 052363, 12th tactical reconnaissance squadron, officer of the order of australia, raaf, usaf, air vice marshall allan reed, headquarters, australian force vietnam, raaf element

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (First Oak Leaf Cluster) Squadron leader Alan R Reed distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as and RD-4C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 24 August 1968. On that date, he flew his aircraft repeatedly through intense hostile ground fire to obtain complete photographic coverage of the target. In addition, he voluntarily remained in that hostile environment for as long as fuel would allow, to act as a spotter and to pass firing corrections to friendly artillery. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Squadron Leader Reed reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Squadron Leader Alan Reed from the Royal Australian Air Force 052363 served in Vietnam from 26 May 1968 until 20 November 1968. He spent most of his tour detached to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, US Air Force. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in June 1989 for his service to the RAAF as Air Officer Commanding, Support Command. For his service with the USAF, Alan Reed was awarded the United States Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster. His final rank with the Air Force was Air Vice Marshal and his last posting was with Headquarters, Australian Force Vietnam (RAAF Element) Black and White photo in black and white frame of SQN LDR Alan Reed receiving a citation to accompany Distinguished Flying Cross 21 /08 /1968. with supporting info.photograph, alan reed, squadron leader alan reed, royal australian air force, raaf, 052363, 12th tactical reconnaissance squadron, united states air force, usaf, officer of the order of australia, air vice marshall allan reed, headquarters, australian force vietnam