AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  HH-3A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Douglas G. Ankney, Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an aircrewman of a rotary-wing aircraft while attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN, Detachment ONE ONE ZERO embarked in USS SARATOGA (CVA 60). On the night of 6 August and early morning of 7 August 1972, Petty Officer Ankney was the first crewman of a combat rescue helicopter during nearly five hours of coordinated search and a successful daring night rescue effort for a U. S. pilot downed in North Vietnam. Disregarding his personal safety, he continuously exposed himself to intense enemy automatic weapons fire while searching for the downed pilot and while lowering the jungle penetrator after locating him. As the downed pilot marked his position with a signal light, Petty Officer Ankney realized the terrain was suitable for landing and exposed himself to grave danger in order to direct the pilot to a safe landing. His quick and decisive actions were directly responsible for the expeditious recovery of the survivor. Petty Officer Ankney’s courage, skill and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.