AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AH-1G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Donald M. Clarke, Troop B, 7th Armed Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 May 1970. Warrant Officer Clarke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving aboard helicopter gunships that were providing aerial fire support during both day and night troop insertions. On the third and subsequent sorties into the landing zone, the entire flight of helicopters was subjected to extremely intense automatic weapons fire. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he repeatedly flew his aircraft through the barrage of enemy bullets, firing his rockets with devastating accuracy and neutralizing the enemy's fire. When his rockets were completely expended, he courageously and voluntarily exposed himself by conducting numerous dry firing passes in a successful effort to divert some of the remaining enemy fire away from the lift aircraft. His courage and response in the direct face of heavy enemy fire directly resulted in the safe departure of the personnel helicopters from the landing zone with minimum casualties and damage. Warrant Officer Clarke's 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Donald M. Clarke for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Clarke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of attack helicopters which were providing aerial fire support for armored forces during the Cambodian Offensive. Light observation helicopters were reconnoitering in advance of the columns when they received extremely heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Warrant Officer Clarke instantly responded by flying through the hostile fire and repeatedly attacking the enemy positions with accurate rocket fire until the resistance was eliminated. Again the next day, they received heavy enemy machine gun fire from numerous camouflaged locations. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he flew his aircraft through heavy anti-aircraft fire and destroyed several enemy fortifications. When his munitions reached the critical point, he volunteered to remain on station and alternately conducted dry firing passes with live rocket strikes against the well-entrenched enemy troops. As a direct result of his aggressiveness and courage, numerous pockets of enemy resistance were eliminated, and the Allies were able to capture several very large caches containing munitions, weapons, and medical supplies. 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.