Citation to Acompany the Award of the 

Bronze Star Medal (with "V" device) 

to 

Vincent R. Campisi

Captain Vincent R. Campisi distinguished himself by heroism as the Officer in Charge of Combat Control Team One while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force at Katum Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 22 September 1968. 

On that date, a well armed hostile force attempted to overrun a control point he had established for guiding incoming drop aircraft that were bringing in vital supplies for the camp. 

Captain Campisi commenced a return fire of heavy machine gun bursts and temporary silenced the sniper and mortar fire from a nearby woodline. He then remained in the exposed position until all supplies had been removed to the safety of the camp.

By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Captain Campisi has reflected great credit upon himself in the United States Air Force.

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The following was written by  Captain Kent L. Helber in a newsletter sent out to Combat Control Teams dated 28 FEB 1969, talking about the challenges faced by CCTs.

"During February we handled 59 missions (34 ATC/HF, 23 HF, 1 LAPES and 1 free drop). Versatility continues to be the order of the day for CCT. A case in point is best illustrated by recounting the activities experienced by one of our elements. On 14 Feb, Capt Campisi, Sgt Balcom and Sgt Reddington were deployed Kien Long in the Delta to set up a drop zone for a C-123 free drop.  The element was billeted with a 12-man Army Advisory Team in a small compound. The compound was separated from the village by the width of the runway and a canal. The element just settled down for the evening when at 2130 hours the area came under heavy mortar attack. The attack was directed primarily at the village and it lasted for one hour. The runway had to be checked for damage and an area prepared for the helicopter evacuation of the wounded. Captain Campisi and Sergeant Balcom checked the runway with the help of Jeep lights. A dust off pad was prepared with four bean bag lights. Nine civilians were seriously wounded and had to be carried to the helipad. With a PRC-25, the helicopter was talked in. The Combat Controllers assisted in loading the wounded onboard. This incident is just one of numerous examples of the many tasks required of Combat Controllers in Vietnam. Combat controllers have had to do things which are not encompassed In the concept of CCT, but they have never failed to meet the call with anything less than professional results."