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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Donald M. Frierson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Frierson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 February 1967 while serving as a Heavy Scout Team Leader west of Plei Djereng, Republic of Vietnam. While flying a reconnaissance mission of a heavy bomb strike near the Cambodian border, two light observation helicopters were shot down by heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. The third radioed for assistance, Captain Frierson led his team into the area, conducting numerous gun runs into ever-increasing enemy anti-aircraft fire. Captain Frierson then contacted the Air Force and air strikes were conducted around the survivors of the downed aircraft. Upon completion of the airstrikes, Captain Frierson escorted a rescue helicopter to the crash scene and flew air cover for the rescue ship for twenty minutes, continuously under enemy automatic weapons fire. Through his outstanding leadership, Captain Frierson' 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 great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Donald M. Frierson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Major Frierson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Air Mission Commander of Troop C, 16th Air Cavalry. The air cavalry was conducting a four-ship insertion of friendly forces into an area of suspected enemy activity. After the friendly troops had been inserted, they were pinned down by heavy enemy automatic weapons fire from an unknown size enemy element. Major Frierson immediately spotted the enemy position approximately one hundred meters in front of the friendly unit. Using his extensive professional knowledge of air tactics, Major Frierson expertly coordinated the tactical employment of his attack, observation, and life aircraft. Disregarding his personal safety, he reportedly exposed himself to the enemy in order to more closely super vise the movements of the air cavalry. Major Frierson's courage, initiative, and professional ability as an aviator resulted in the silencing of sixteen enemy and the successful outcome of the encounter. 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.