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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Charles H. Grafton 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 Charles H. Grafton distinguished himself on 10 April 1971 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a command control helicopter. On that date, a platoon of the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade came in contact with an enemy element and sustained casualties, one of which needed immediate medical attention. The evacuation helicopters were requested but, due to the amount of enemy activity in the area, they could not make the extraction for several minutes. At this point, Warrant Officer Grafton courageously volunteered his ship to enter the contact area and made the emergency extraction. As he maneuvered in, his ship came under heavy automatic weapons fire and, the ship was badly damaged. Although his Crew Chief was wounded, as a result of the incoming fire, Warrant Officer Grafton remained on the ground until the critically wounded man was placed on board. He then flew the damaged aircraft out through a hail of hostile fire to the nearest medical facility. Warrant Officer Grafton's personal professional flying skill and selfless dedication to his fellowmen is credited with saving the life of the wounded man. Warrant Officer Grafton's courageous 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.