Hero receives medal 38 years later Published May 9, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs Staff GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Thirty eight years after earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Sergeant Ronald E. Sharpless of Galveston, Ind., had the medal pinned on his chest during special ceremonies at Grissom ARB. After his heroic achievements in 1968, Mr. Sharpless was given the citation, but was never presented with the actual medal. Sergeant Sharpless, distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in a mission as an EC-47 Airborne Radio Operator near Ban Me Thuot, Republic of Vietnam on Aug. 9, 1968. During the arduous mission over hostile terrain and under adverse weather conditions, Sergeant Sharpless was able to use his skill and ingenuity to collect high priority data that allowed friendly forces to inflict extensive damage upon an opposing armed force in the area. The results of the mission aided immeasurably in the fulfillment of complex and urgent requirements in Southeast Asia. His citation states that ‘his professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, and the United States Air Force.’ Sergeant Sharpless, and his wife Faith have two children, Corina, and Jason. The medal was presented to Mr. Sharpless by Brig. Gen. James L. Melin, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander.
