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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Stanley K. Cotton for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Cotton distinguished himself serving as Aircraft Commander aboard a UH-1C armed helicopter which was flying as escort for a group of ten transport helicopters. Though seriously damaged by numerous enemy rounds, Warrant Officer Cotton continued to cover the transport helicopters as they discharged their passengers in the hostile landing zone. The numerous enemy rounds caused adverse damage to his aircraft and an emergency landing was executed. After the ship was repaired, Warrant Officer Cotton continued the mission and was shot down for a second time. Landing the aircraft in a rice paddy, he dismounted the aircraft and boarded a rescue ship. 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.