AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-13

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard B. Hathcock for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Hathcock distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 December 1965 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter during a combat mission in Phuoc Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam. Upon receiving a radio message stating that a beleaguered American long-range reconnaissance patrol was requesting immediate evacuation, Captain Hathcock volunteered his aircraft for the mission. Although it was growing dark, and despite the fact that he was given minimum information concerning the seriousness of the mission, Captain Hathcock initiated his approach into the obscure landing zone. As he approached the extraction site, his aircraft received intense Viet Cong fire from a wood line to his front and from a position approximately 80 meters to the left. Although the helicopter was hit by the hostile fire on his approach, he successfully landed. With complete disregard for his safety, Captain Hathcock jumped to the ground and exposed himself to the intense hostile fire in an attempt to locate the patrol members. After locating the men, Captain Hathcock returned to his helicopter and hovered from position to position in the perilous battle area until the patrol members were safely aboard. Captain Hathcock then successfully departed the hazardous landing zone over a barrier of 80 foot trees and through intense hostile fire to safety. Captain Hathcock's 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 Captain Richard B. Hathcock for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Hathcock distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 March 1966 while serving as an aerial artillery forward observer and controller during an attack by a large Viet Cong force on a friendly perimeter in the Republic of Vietnam. Upon entering the operational area, in which a battle was already in progress, Captain Hathcock's OH-13 helicopter received intense hostile fire. Although repeatedly exposed to the Viet Cong fire, Captain Hathcock remained over the area to relay radio messages from the ground commander to the commanding general and higher headquarters on the battle. During the course of action, it became necessary to resupply the beleaguered ground force with ammunition by helicopter. At this time, Captain Hathcock remained in constant radio contact with the ground force commander and the supporting artillery to maintain close and continuous fire support until the resupply aircraft made their passes over the target area. During periods of artillery cease fire, his professional assistance in directing armed helicopter air strikes and controlling the actions of mortar aerial delivery bombers, enabled the rifle company commanders to maintain the fire superiority which was essential in preventing the insurgents from breaching the perimeter defense. On one occasion, Captain Hathcock halted a helicopter air strike which was misdirected on friendly positions, thus preventing numerous American casualties. During the final phase of the battle, Captain Hathcock, with complete disregard for his safety, landed his light observation aircraft amidst intense hostile fire and secured vital information for the commanding general from the ground force commander. Through his courageous actions, Captain Hathcock was most instrumental in the successful operation. His 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.