AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Chris E. Chatters. Warrant Officer Chatters distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty during the period 18 October 1968 to 10 November 1968 while flying numerous direct combat support missions in the Fishhook Area of Operation, near the Cambodian border, in the III Corps Tactical Zone of the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Chatters was repeatedly subjected to heavy ground fire while flying daily missions in that area during intensive combat operations. Commanders were thereby able to coordinate artillery support which was vital to the success of friendly maneuvering element engagements with the enemy. Warrant Officer Chatters voluntarily flew long, arduous hours from early morning until late into the night in his light observation helicopter. His outstanding devotion to duty, courage under hostile enemy fire and remarkable flying ability were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Chris E. Chatters for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 March 1969, Warrant Officer Chatters served as a helicopter Pilot engaged in a combat operation against a Viet Cong force in the rocket belt east of Saigon. On that date, when a report was received that a 1st Infantry Division Rifle Company was engaged in a fire fight with Viet Cong soldiers, Warrant Officer Chatters skillfully maneuvered his aircraft over the area to search for enemy positions. His dexterity and skillful tree-top-level flying cut off enemy escape routes, forcing them to withdraw in a westerly direction. Continuing to fly at low level s, he pursued the enemy until they were located. When the enemy were spotted, fire from his helicopter killed at least two Viet Cong soldiers. He continued his low level reconnaissance, flushing out numerous enemy emplacements and a strategic enemy fire control marker crew from their position. Warrant Officer Chatters' outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.