AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Timothy J. Hayes, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter gunship with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three, on 8 November 1968 Lieutenant Junior Grade Hayes participated in an unprecedented medical evacuation of two seriously wounded men from a River Patrol Boat (PBR) in a hostile fire area. The helicopter fire team was scrambled from Nha Be to assist two PBR's that were receiving heavy enemy rocket and automatic fire from both banks of a small stream. The patrol officer was killed and four crewmen were wounded, two seriously and in need of immediate medical evacuation. Since a medical evacuation (Medivac) helicopter was still 20 minutes away and there was no helicopter landing site accessible to the PBR's, Lieutenant (JG) Hayes received permission from the fire team leader for his aircraft to attempt an underway pickup. In order to lighten the heavily loaded gunship, he initiated an attack against the suspected enemy positions, completely expending his rockets. He then directed the crew to jettison more ammunition to further lighten the ship. At this point the co-pilot took control of the aircraft since the Medivac could be more readily accomplished by him and disregarding the hostile environment hovered the aircraft with one skid on the bow of the boat. The left door gunner lifted the two seriously wounded men to safety. The helicopter was then flown directly to the hospital in Saigon. Lieutenant (JG) Hayes' heroic actions, unique initiative and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Timothy J. Hayes is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.