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 Warrant Officer Marvin G. Hall for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Hall distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a pilot in a utility helicopter. Darkhorse-19 was waiting for a visual reconnaissance mission to conclude, so they could make an insertion of troops into the area to reinforce ground troops already confronting the enemy. As they were monitoring their radios, they suddenly heard the command and control ship calling for help. The command control ship explained that the two light observation helicopters conducting the visual reconnaissance mission had been shot down by enemy fire. Within seconds, Darkhorse-19 was on the way to aid in the rescue of the downed light observation helicopters. By the time Darkhorse-19 arrived on station, the command and control ship had already been down and successfully rescued one light observation helicopter's crew, during which the air mission commander was wounded but still able to fly his aircraft. While in flight the command and control ship briefed Darkhorse-19 on the complete situation so that upon arrival, Darkhorse-19 was able to go inbound immediately. On the first pass, when Darkhorse-19 low leveled within 166 meters of the downed aircraft, it suddenly started receiving heavy enemy fire from 360 degrees. The impact of enemy bullets could be felt ripping through the ship's sides and belly. Remaining calm and still down leveling, Warrant Officer Hall flew closer to the light observation helicopter under intense enemy fire. The magnitude of enemy fire was so great and so numerous were the hits sustained, that they had to veer off and initiate a go-around. They made several other rescue attempts to get to the downed aircraft, but each time they were driven off in a hail of large caliber and automatic weapons fire. The first and second passes were made without the benefit of any gunship cover. On the fourth attempt, four out of five of the aircraft fuel cells were shot out. Fuel was so abundant that the danger of fire and explosion made it necessary for the crippled aircraft to abort any further actions. The aircraft was then taken to the 14th regiment command post where Darkhorse-19 performed an emergency landing and shut down. Once on the ground, Warrant Officer Hall gave a briefing to the advisors as to the tactical situation. Warrant Officer Hall also helped administer life-saving first aid to the wounded. Warrant Officer Hall's actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and bring great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.