AWARDED DFC: 2
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 Larry E. Cunningham for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Cunningham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter flare ship. His aircraft was called to assist the small Special Forces outpost of Binh Chau that was under heavy ground attack. He exposed himself to enemy fire in order to provide continuous illumination for the gunships enabling them to stop the enemy and force them to retreat. His courage and devotion to duty were instrumental in defeating the enemy. 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Larry E. Cunningham for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Cunningham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a transport helicopter engaged in combat operations in support of friendly ground troops near Tra Vinh in Vinh Binh Province. His aircraft was a member of a flight of six helicopters called off Tra Vinh to assist friendly ground forces that were in heavy contact with an enemy force of undetermined size. Arriving on station, he was informed that the enemy positions were located in tree lines surrounding the friendly troops and that the friendly forces had suffered several casualties. On the first two attempts into the pick-up zone, the entire flight received such heavy fire that they were unable to reach the troops. After extensive gunship preparation, the flight was able to reach them on the third attempt, but was ambushed on touchdown. Warrant Officer Cunningham was exposed to extremely heavy fire, but despite the fact that his aircraft was receiving bullet damage, he saw that troops were safely loaded and that his crew provided a maximum of firepower to protect his aircraft and the rest of the flight. When all the troops were aboard, he successfully maneuvered his aircraft through the enemy fire and darkness to safety. Warrant Officer Cunningham's superb airmanship and devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the successful completion of the mission. 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.