Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen-Arlington, VA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.368 W 077° 03.744
18S E 321085 N 4304682
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient for action in the air over North Vietnam on March 10, 1967. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 65, Site 1626.
Waymark Code: WMXJM2
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 01/20/2018
Views: 1
He was born on June 29, 1934 in Greenville, IA and died on December 14, 1987 in Fort Worth, TX. He attained the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: 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
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.
Armed Service: Air Force
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