The Air Force Cross is presented to Dale L. Eppinger, Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 21 April 1969. On that date, Major Eppinger, against great odds, unhesitatingly descended his aircraft through intense ground fire to rescue a seven-man, long range reconnaissance patrol which was surrounded and in imminent danger of being overrun by a large hostile force. When his aircraft was shot down during the rescue attempt, Major Eppinger assumed immediate command of the ground defensive situation and, in a further display of courage and leadership, directed air strikes against the opposing forces until their attacks were thwarted, and all patrol members and aircrew man could be rescued. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and extraordinary heroism, Major Eppinger reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.