AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AH-1G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumous) to Daniel B. Cheney, First Lieutenant, United States Army, Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 17 th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 6 January 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam: First Lieutenant Cheney distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of an AH-1G gunship over an area three miles south of Duc Hoa. While performing a visual reconnaissance, his fire team discovered an enemy force of unknown size, and his aircraft commander immediately engaged the enemy with rockets, destroying several fortified bunkers. At that time the scout ship came under heavy automatic weapons fire, severing the tail boom, wounding the aircraft commander and causing the ship to crash in a canal. Lieutenant Cheney immediately engaged the enemy with continuous mini-gun fire, thus diverting enemy fire and enabling the scout observer to free his wounded aircraft commander and drag him ashore. Suddenly, Lieutenant Cheney's aircraft received intense enemy fire and crashed, killing him instantly. 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.