AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Damon N. Cecil, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 23 March 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Cecil distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed helicopter in support of the 9th Infantry Division near the city of Cau Lanh. The friendly platoon was pinned down by an estimated battalion of Viet Cong and had suffered heavy casualties. Warrant Officer Cecil engaged the enemy positions, destroying one automatic weapon and neutralizing another. After darkness, the enemy completely surrounded and threatened to overrun the ground troops. Despite heavy fire, he made repeated strikes on the enemy positions. After the hours of darkness, he was instrumental in directing and providing gun cover for med-evac aircraft attempting to extract the wounded. His courage and determination contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.