AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One Douglas W. Cunzeman for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer Cunzeman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 May 1965 while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed UH-1B helicopter near Thu Dau Mot, Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Cunzeman's helicopter was scrambled to support a friendly village which was threatened by Viet Cong insurgents. Immediately upon entering the area, his aircraft became the target of hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Remaining calm under intense hostile fire, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Warrant Officer Cunzeman initiated an aggressive attack on the Viet Cong positions. While engaging the enemy, his alertness resulted in the discovery of several sampans departing the area under the cover of fire. Again in the face of heavy enemy fire, Warrant Officer Cunzeman successfully engaged the automatic weapons and sank three sampans. These sampans were later found to be loaded with enemy weapons. In addition to sinking the sampans, Warrant Officer Cunzeman's actions resulted in stopping a Viet Cong attack on a friendly village. The Viet Cong left twenty-two dead, as they fled carrying with them numerous other dead and wounded. Warrant Officer Cunzeman's heroic 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.