AWARDED DFC: 2
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 1 William C. Hatounian for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 27 December 1967. On that date, Warrant Officer Hatounian was piloting a helicopter gunship on a mission to provide fire support for the extraction of a long range reconnaissance patrol from a densely jungled area southeast of Chon Thanh. Arriving over the clearing where the patrol members were holding off a large Viet Cong force, Warrant Officer Hatounian flew his helicopter at low level on several firing passes over Viet Cong positions in the tree line. During the first pass, the Viet Cong shifted the bulk of their fire to his aircraft. Despite the hostile fire, Warrant Officer Hatounian continued making low level passes and placed devastatingly accurate rocket and minigun fire on the insurgents. As the extraction aircraft ascended from the clearing with the patrol members aboard, the Viet Cong shifted their fire towards the heavily loaded ship. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Warrant Officer Hatounian, completely disregarding his personal safety, flew directly over the insurgent position to draw their fire. He left the area only after completely expending his ammunition and being personally convinced that the recovery helicopter was safely clear of the area. His courage under fire and superb flying skill contributed significantly to the successful extraction of the patrol members. Warrant Officer Hatounian's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer 1 William C. Hatounian for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 1 February 1968. On that date, Warrant Officer Hatounian was serving as a helicopter Pilot with his air cavalry unit. His helicopter fire team was called into the air to support an armored cavalry unit engaged in combat operations near Phu Loi. When he reached the battle scene, Warrant Officer Hatounian immediately maneuvered his aircraft in a low level assault over the hostile forces, placing devastating fire upon them. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he directed his craft in repeated attacks on the Viet Cong. Each time the aircraft reached the perilously low assault level it was met by a concentrated hail of enemy rocket and automatic weapons fire. Warrant Officer Hatounian, however, continued his relentless assault even though his craft had received several hits. When the aircraft's rockets were expended, he made several passes over the embattled area using only the fire from his doorguns to suppress the enemy. Warrant Officer Hatounian remained in the attack until artillery fire and additional gunships were called to replace him. The unquestionable valor and outstanding aggressiveness displayed by Warrant Officer Hatounian in the face of extreme danger were an inspiration to his men and significantly contributed toward the decisive victory over the Viet Cong forces. Warrant Officer Hatounian's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army