Major Kenneth Earl Zellmer of the United States Air Force (retired) served over 20 years of active duty. He accumulated approximately 6000 flying hours, with over 1200 combat hours from 600 missions in Southeast Asia. Stationed in the Philippines, Major Zellmer flew the C130 Hercules for all-weather tactical operations, primarily in Vietnam and Thailand.

Some of his awards include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal, 20 Air Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

The narrative for his second Distinguished Flying Cross states that Captain Kenneth E. Zellmer was recognized for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 pilot in Southeast Asia on May 1, 1971. On that day, Zellmer was scrambled off alert at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, in support of friendly troops under attack by a large hostile force. Despite intense ground fire, Captain Zellmer accurately placed all his ordnance on target, causing heavy damage to the hostile forces and aiding the friendly forces in repelling the attack.

The professional competence, aerial skill, and dedication to duty displayed by Captain Zellmer reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.