AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Roger K. Gould, Chief Warrant Officer, W2, United States Army, 213 th Assault Support Helicopter Company, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Gould distinguished himself on 13 March 1967, while serving as aircraft commander of a CH-47A helicopter resupplying American ground elements in War Zone C, Republic of Vietnam. On the first approach into the field site, his aircraft came under withering automatic weapons fire. Displaying exceptional courage and airmanship, he evaded the determined enemy fire and dropped his cargo in the landing zone. After making a high speed, low level takeoff from the area, he decided to continue the vital resupply mission despite the danger of enemy fire. On the second approach into the area, his aircraft shuddered under the impact of multiple hits from another enemy automatic weapon. He landed his damaged aircraft in the field site and, after closely inspecting it, elected to fly the crippled helicopter to a secure airfield. Realizing that his mission was essential to the effectiveness of the ground forces and undaunted by the extreme danger caused by the enemy automatic weapons, he requested a replacement aircraft in order to continue the mission. Throughout the remainder of the day, he courageously flew six more sorties of critically needed supplies into the field site. His 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Roger K. Gould, Chief Warrant Officer, W2, United States Army, 213 th Assault Support Helicopter Company, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Gould distinguished himself on the night of 14 April 1967, while serving as Aircraft Commander of a CH-47A helicopter resupplying a Special Forces camp in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. The camp was under an intense Viet Cong mortar and ground attack and the supporting artillery battery's ammunition storage area had been destroyed. This man courageously volunteered to carry two sorties of critically needed ammunition to the beleaguered friendly force even though the already dangerous mission was further complicated by low cloud cover, driving rain, and severe thunderstorms. On the first of the two sorties, he broke out of the low clouds over the battle site and immediately came under withering enemy fire. Displaying exceptional courage and ability, he maneuvered his heavily laden aircraft through the hail of enemy fire and dropped his load less than fifty meters from the still exploding ammunition dump. Undaunted by the fanatical enemy, he again returned to the battle site with another load of ammunition. Through his courage and sound judgement, he supplied the friendly ground forces with the means to repel the determined enemy. 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.