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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Edwin R. Constant, Warrant Officer, W1, United States Army, 117th Assault Helicopter Company, 10th Combat Aviation Battalion, for heroism while participating in aerial flight: Warrant Officer Constant distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on the night of 3 June 1966 while serving as pilot of a helicopter in a flight of three armed helicopters in support of a beleaguered unit that was pinned down by an estimated Viet Cong regiment near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. On two separate occasions after arriving over the battle area, Warrant Officer Constant exposed himself to intense Viet Cong ground fire as he maneuvered on low level firing passes over the insurgent emplacements. Although his aircraft sustained numerous hits on both firing passes, Warrant Officer Constant fearlessly continued his mission. On the second pass, his aircraft commander was wounded, the flight instruments were badly damaged and the crippled helicopter began to lose hydraulic fluid and fuel. Nevertheless, Warrant Officer Constant assumed control of the situation, skillfully maneuvered away from the hostile ground fire, and successfully conducted an emergency landing at the base camp. Through his courage he contributed immeasurably to the decisive defeat of the Viet Cong force and enabled the Vietnamese unit to win their objective. Warrant Officer Constant’s 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.