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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Duane L. Heda, Specialist Five, United States Army, Company A, 9th Aviation Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Five Heda distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 May 1969 while serving as Crew Chief with Company A, 9th Aviation Battalion on an air-mobile assault. During a large engagement with an estimated company of Viet Cong, just as one of the lifts of troops was being inserted, the aircraft on which Specialist Heda was serving, came under intense automatic weapons fire. Specialist Heda immediately placed accurate return fire on the enemy, whose place of concealment was so close to the ship that the fire teams flying in support dared not use their ordnance. Many of the troops in the aircraft were wounded, and Specialist Heda was wounded in both arms and in the pelvic area. His wounds prevented the use of his left arm and legs, but with his right arm he continued placing devastating fire on the enemy, enabling the aircraft to take off, saving the lives of all those on board. Specialist Five Heda’s outstanding initiative and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.