AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  O1-E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, has awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Darron, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an Aerial Observer in an O1 airplane on a special reconnaissance mission along Route 9 in Laos on 22 March 1971. During the low-level reconnaissance, which originated in South Vietnam, Colonel Darron, while in the vicinity of Fire Support Base Alpha, spotted dust plumes from a large column of vehicles moving east on Route 9. On making a low pass over the column, the O1 received intense automatic weapons fire from what the pilot and observer team identified as nine T54 tanks. At the risk to their own personal safety, Colonel Darron directed the pilot to maintain an orbit near the tanks while he made a request for tactical air strikes. Approximately 20 minutes later an Air Force Forward Air Controller arrived on station and, after being briefed by Colonel Darron, started directing air strikes against the tanks. Following the airstrikes which destroyed three tanks and dispersed the tank column, Colonel Darron and the pilot directed artillery into the areas where the tank column had dispersed. In addition to the sighting of the enemy tanks, Colonel Darron obtained valuable intelligence information on enemy and friendly troop and equipment dispositions not previously reported. His courageous actions, while exposed to hostile fire, contributed immeasurably to the spotting of an enemy tank column and the destruction of three tanks. Colonel Darron’s bravery, professionalism, 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 Marine Corps.