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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Frederick L. DeLoach for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant DeLoach distinguished himself on 16 April 1971 while serving as Pilot of an unarmed UH-1E medical evacuation helicopter, Dustoff 91, during the emergency extraction of casualties near Fire Base Bastogne in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. On the previous night, three aircraft made numerous attempts to extract the casualties and were severely damaged by enemy fire. Lieutenant DeLoach volunteered for the mission expecting to receive hostile fire and watched as an accompanying aircraft was fired upon. While approaching the extraction site, he also came under heavy hostile fire, but was able to safely extract two patients. His actions were instrumental in saving the lives of the two wounded men. First Lieutenant DeLoach'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.