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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Clyde V. Christensen for heroism while participating in aerial flight in Helicopter Light Attack Squadron Three on 23 March 1971 while serving as Fire Team Leader of a Light Helicopter Fire Team scrambled at 0300. An outpost had come under concentrated enemy attack by two companies of Viet Cong supported by a well-fortified anti-aircraft detachment employing machine guns. Flying at dangerously low altitude because of poor visibility and receiving intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Commander Christensen directed accurate suppressive fire within 20 meters of the outpost while simultaneously placing rocket strikes on two anti-aircraft positions. After suppressing the enemy attack on the outpost, he concentrated his fire power on the anti-aircraft positions, exposing himself to heavy machine gun fire in an attempt to silence the weapons. Forced to rearm and refuel, Lieutenant Commander Christensen returned to find that the attack on the outpost had been renewed. Again facing intense anti-aircraft fire at dangerously low altitude, he directed accurate suppressive fire in support of the outpost while placing rocket strikes on the anti-aircraft positions. After two hours of heated battle, the enemy lines assaulting the outpost fell back in retreat. Lieutenant Commander Christensen's devotion to duty, courage under fire and exemplary professionalism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.