AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  OH-13

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Stephen E. DaCosta 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 DaCosta distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 January 1968, while serving as a Pilot of an OH-13 scout helicopter during a combat mission near Dong Son, Republic of Vietnam. When an infantry unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Warrant Officer DaCosta exposed himself to the intense hostile ground fire to engage the insurgent's emplacements. Due to his actions, several enemy positions were neutralized allowing the infantry unit to successfully complete its mission. Warrant Officer DaCosta's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are 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 One Stephen E. DaCosta 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 DaCosta distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 January 1968, while serving as a Pilot of an OH-13 armed helicopter, during a reconnaissance mission near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam. While flying over enemy-controlled terrain, Warrant Officer DaCosta located and directed accurate suppressive fire on numerous hostile emplacements. He flew his helicopter at low altitude through intense automatic weapons rocket fire until the insurgent's positions were neutralized. Warrant Officer DaCosta'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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two Stephen E. DaCosta for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Chief Warrant Officer DaCosta distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a light observation helicopter. Two gunships had located a suspected enemy element and requested his assistance to make positive identification. On arrival at the location, he saw eight enemy soldiers attempting to escape across an open area. After marking their position, he called in the gunships, which killed two of the enemy. In the engagement the Pilot of the lead gunship was badly wounded and was forced to depart for medical treatment. Moments later, the remaining gunship expended its ordnance and departed. Although lacking gunship cover, Chief Warrant Officer DaCosta remained on station, keeping accurate fire on the enemy. After both his minigun and his observer's rifle jammed, he brought his ship over the enemy soldiers where both he and his observer dropped fragmentation grenades, instantly killing one of the enemy soldiers and wounding two others. His professionalism and calm courage under fire were exemplary. 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.