Bernard Francis Lukasik
Captain, U.S. Air Force

On 18 February 1964, Captain Bernard Francis Lukasik was serving as a Advisor-Pilot of a T-28D Trojan aircraft with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Group, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam.

On that date, Capt Lukasik provided airpower against advancing Viet Cong guerrillas who were intent on capturing a Vietnamese airman that had bailed out of his burning aircraft. Despite the danger of hostile gun fire, Capt Lukasik continuously flew his aircraft at extremely low level and remained in the area until he was satisfied that the safety of the downed airman was assured. Capt Lukasik's extraordinary heroism and superb airmanship that day earned him the U.S. Air Force's second highest award for valor, the Air Force Cross.

The downed airman aided by Capt Lukasik that day was the Vietnamese "back seater" for Lieutenant Colonel Ken Lengfield. Lt Col Lengfield later recounted that when Capt Lukasik was out of ammunition he actually flew low enough to chase off the pursuing enemy with his propeller blades.

On 19 February 1964, the day following his Air Force Cross action above, Capt Lukasik was killed in an air crash during a combat mission in Phong Dinh, South Vietnam.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Air Force Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Army Air Force Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Air Force Senior Pilot Badge

Air Force Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Bernard Francis Lukasik (AFSN: 0-48211), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Group, Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, as a Advisor-Pilot of a T-28D aircraft on 18 February 1964. On that date, Captain Lukasik provided airpower against advancing Viet Cong guerrillas who were intent on capturing a Vietnamese airman who had bailed out of his burning aircraft. Despite the danger of hostile gun fire, Captain Lukasik continuously flew his aircraft at extremely low level and remained in the area until he was satisfied that the safety of the downed airman was assured. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Lukasik reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Burial

Captain Bernard Francis Lukasik is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 35, Site 1427.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16892563/bernard-francis-lukasik