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 to John D. Claxton, Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, United States Army, 235th Armed Hel Co, for action dated 5 March 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Claxton distinguished himself when he was called on to support the embattled city of Ca Mau, Republic of Vietnam. When Chief Warrant Officer Claxton arrived, the ARVN troops were pinned down and receiving incoming mortar rounds. The enemy positions were quickly located by Chief Warrant Officer Claxton and he skillfully maneuvered his helicopter into position to place accurate suppressive fire on the emplacements with his rockets and miniguns. His repeated attacks caused the enemy to break from their hiding places and retreat along the dike lines and through the rice paddies. When the enemy began retreating, he returned to the fortified positions he had left, where sniper fire still kept the ARVN troops pinned down with automatic weapons. With complete disregard for his own safety, he battled the enemy through a barrage of fire directed against him. Although his aircraft sustained serious battle damage, he was able to quiet the enemy to such an extent that the ARVN ground troops were able to advance and rout the enemy positions. The end result of 257 confirmed enemy dead shows clearly Chief Warrant Officer Claxton’s professional abilities and devotion to duty. 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.