This typewritten Letter of Commendation, dated 19 August 1970, recounts the actions of A-1 Skyraider pilots 1st Lt Thomas K. Stump and Capt Edwin A. Gullion of the 56th Special Operations Squadron, who returned through intense enemy fire to strafe within five meters of a surrounded reconnaissance team, preventing its capture or destruction. Issued by the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, the letter illustrates the close coordination between forward air controllers ('Covey') and A-1 'Spad' pilots that defined Vietnam-era combat search-and-rescue operations. Project: 219657