AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Bill N. Colbert for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Colbert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 January 1966 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1D helicopter ambulance on an evacuation mission near Long Thanh, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Colbert's mission was to evacuate a seriously wounded American soldier from an embattled area. Upon entering the extraction site, Captain Colbert was informed by the escorting armed helicopter fire team that the ground forces were still engaged with the Viet Cong. Since it was difficult for Captain Colbert to locate the wounded soldier, he held his aircraft at a hover, completely exposed to the intense hostile fire, while the wounded soldier was located and brought to the extraction site. As soon as the wounded soldier was safely aboard his helicopter, Captain Colbert departed the area for the nearest medical facility. Through his courage, determination, and exceptional flying ability, the wounded man's life was saved. The heroic actions of Captain Colbert 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 Captain Bill N. Colbert for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Colbert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 March 1966 while serving as Pilot of a UH-1D helicopter ambulance on an evacuation mission near Vinh Loc, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Colbert's mission was to evacuate a seriously wounded American soldier from an embattled area. Upon entering the operational area, Captain Colbert's aircraft received intense hostile fire. Because of terrain and obstructions, he was forced to land his aircraft in a position that exposed him to direct Viet Cong observation and fire. While on the ground, his helicopter sustained many hits. Despite this, Captain Colbert, with complete disregard for his safety, repeatedly exposed himself to the direct Viet Cong fire as he assisted in loading the wounded soldier on board. Having learned of another serious casualty, Captain Colbert delayed his departure to evacuate the additional wounded man. His 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Bill N. Colbert for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Colbert distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 June 1966 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter ambulance with the mission of extracting casualties in the vicinity of Tan Uyen, Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Colbert's unit received a request for two helicopter ambulances to proceed to the extraction area where a battle was in progress. Captain Colbert unhesitatingly volunteered to proceed to the designated area. Arriving in the operational area, artillery fire was in close proximity to the south and east of the landing zone, and Viet Cong automatic weapons fire was being delivered from many emplacements. Despite the fact that an aircraft in the area had received several hits, Captain Colbert, time after time, came to a hover above the trees, before descending vertically into the pickup site. The hole in the dense jungle growth was so small that it afforded less than one meter clearance for the rotor blades. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Colbert repeatedly entered the site, loaded the casualties aboard, and departed the area. Throughout the period required for the evacuation of casualties, Captain Colbert continued to demonstrate outstanding flying ability and sound judgment under the most adverse circumstances, and he contributed immeasurably to the successful rescue of thirty-five casualties. Captain Colbert's heroic 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.