AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  DeHavilland Otter

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Jack R. Crist II for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Crist distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 March 1967 while serving as Aerial Radio Relay during a search and destroy mission near Phu Loi. Although his aircraft received a hit by hostile ground fire enroute to the operational area, he elected to continue the mission since the damage seemed inconsequential. Artillery fire was crucial to the ground unit, but its shells made flying in the vicinity extremely dangerous. After trying many sectors for a radio link with the ground force without success, Warrant Officer Crist decided that the critical situation demanded that he fly among the trajectories of the artillery shells. In addition, deteriorating weather conditions forced him to fly at lower altitudes. Flying for nearly thirteen hours under such hazardous circumstances, he risked his life almost constantly to successfully complete what would normally have been a routine mission. Warrant Officer Crist'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.