AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant David B. Covey for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Navigator of an unarmed C-47 flareship over Tay Ninh Province, III Corps, Republic of Vietnam on 13 November 1968. Lieutenant Covey was directing a night illumination mission in support of friendly forces under mortar and ground attack. Disregarding heavy antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Covey continued to successfully direct the aircraft through the turbulent weather to the target repeatedly for over 9 hours. This selfless action resulted in the repulsing of the hostile forces with low friendly casualties. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Covey reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.