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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer 1, WO1, Donald R. Hall, 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. WO1 Donald R. Hall distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting a helicopter gunship involved in a search and destroy mission 20 nautical miles northeast of Kontum. His mission was to engage an enemy unit that had been harassing an observation post with mortar fire for the past month. While the helicopters reconnoitered the area, they spotted a bunker complex on a ridge line overlooking a valley. Warrant Officer Hall was piloting a team gunship and began placing highly accurate aerial weapons fire into the bunker complex while his crew gave him lateral cover with the machine guns. His helicopter had drawn heavy small arms fire and an air strike was called in. After the tactical air strike had been completed, a large bunker complex had been exposed and again he bravely attacked the complex. This time the aircraft had taken considerable small arms fire but, undaunted, he continued the attack until there was only token resistance. His bravery and determination contributed greatly to the success of the mission. Warrant Officer Hall’s expert flying ability was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.