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 Corporal Dennis L. Gustafson for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 March 1968, Corporal Gustafson launched as Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a section of two armed UH-1E helicopters assigned to support the insertion of a reconnaissance team in enemy controlled territory. Arriving over the designated area, his aircraft suddenly came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly, he delivered a heavy volume of machine gun fire which silenced the enemy position and enabled the insertion helicopter to approach the landing zone. When his aircraft came under intense fire from several enemy emplacements, Corporal Gustafson steadfastly remained in his dangerously exposed position while skillfully locating hostile targets and delivering suppressive fire. After his helicopter returned to the Phu Bai Combat Base to refuel, his pilot was informed that the reconnaissance team was heavily engaged with a large enemy force and would have to be extracted. When his aircraft returned to the area, Corporal Gustafson immediately commenced delivering machine gun fire to within ten meters of the friendly unit to support the extraction. After embarking the friendly unit, the transport helicopter lifted from the landing zone and suddenly came under intense .50 caliber machine gun fire. Fearlessly ignoring the hostile fire, he delivered intense machine gun fire at the emplacement until the enemy weapon was silenced. His bold initiative and heroic actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Corporal Gustafson's courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service