Sergeant Thomas Anthony Hutchings served with the 6994th Security Squadron (USAFSS) at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. He served as an Airborne Radio Direction Finding Specialist and Morse Intercept Operator. He flew on 126 combat missions on board EC-47 aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in addition to four Air Medals. The citation for the DFC reads below:

Sergeant Thomas A. Hutchings is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights as a C-47 Airborne Morse System Operator at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 March 1971. Sergeant Hutchings flew a long and arduous mission through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire and attack. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished this highly intricate and hazardous mission in support of free world forces combating aggression. Though his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill, he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Hutchings reflect great credit upon great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.