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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Bart C. Davis for heroism while participating in aerial flight as UH-1Y Crew Chief, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan on 18 June 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sergeant Davis was the Crew Chief in the lead UH-1Y helicopter tasked with conducting an emergency resupply of ammunition to ground forces in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Under intense small-arms, machine gun, and rocket propelled grenade fire, Staff Sergeant Davis expertly facilitated the helicopter's ingress to the landing zone by identifying obstacles and providing area over-watch. He supervised the offload of ammunition and supplies, which continuously exposed him to enemy fire. Upon egress from the landing zone, he spotted enemy forces with rifles aimed at the helicopter and provided suppressive fire with a .50 caliber machine gun, as the helicopter received fire. At approximately 600 feet above the ground the Aircraft Commander sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Staff Sergeant Davis attended to the injured Pilot and maneuvered him away from the controls to administer first aid. He then directed the crew to man the machine gun and aid the Co-pilot, who took control of the aircraft. Staff Sergeant Davis' calm actions under duress allowed the Co-pilot to quickly return to Camp Bastion, safely land the helicopter at the hospital landing pad, and ensured effective air crew support throughout the flight. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Staff Sergeant Davis reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Services.