Major Kenneth Earl Zellmer

Description:

Major Kenneth Earl Zellmer, United States Air Force, retired, Sherwood, Viet Nam. Some of his awards include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal, twenty Air Medals, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.   During his over twenty years active duty he logged approximately 6,000 flying hours.  Over 1,200 of those hours were combat time---from 600 combat missions in Southeast Asia. Stationed in the Philippines, Major Zellmer flew the C-130 Hercules performing all-weather day/night tactical airlift operations to major and austere runways in mostly Vietnam and Thailand. 

The narrative for his second Distinguished Flying Cross reads: “Captain Kenneth E.  Zellmer distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-37 Pilot in Southeast Asia on 1 May 1971. On that date, Captain Zellmer was scrambled off the alert pad at Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, in support of friendly troops under attack by a large hostile force. Despite intense ground fire, Captain Zellmer placed all his ordnance exactly on target. His extremely accurate ordnance delivery caused heavy damage to the hostile force, and helped the friendly forces repel the hostile attack. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Zellmer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.” 

More Info:

Major Kenneth Earl Zellmer, Sherwood, United States Air Force. Served one combat tour in Vietnam. His awards include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal, nineteen Air Medals, the Joint Services Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.