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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Thomas Gehman for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Gehman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 May 1966 as Pilot of a helicopter on a supply mission to two infantry battalions near Loc Ninh. The battalions were bivouacked for the night in hostile territory and, due to heavy daytime operations, had critically depleted their stores of food, water, and ammunition. Warrant Officer Gehman volunteered for the flight despite low overcast, ground fog, heavy intermittent rain, and approaching darkness. Heavily loaded, he ascended vertically through the deep cloud layer and navigated by compass and estimated time interval to the battalion area. He established radio contact and descended at the point where a ground flare pierced the clouds. The landing zone was soon sighted and the helicopter unloaded. More supplies were needed and the same approach technique was used on each flight. The cloud cover deepened, however, and the bases of the clouds were at tree top level. Although after the second lift the flights were made in darkness, Warrant Officer Gehman repeated the dangerous operations three more times. He enabled the battalions to rearm for the next day's operations. Warrant Officer Gehman'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.