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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Frank M. Heffernan for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Heffernan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 July 1967 while serving as Pilot of an ambulance helicopter supporting ground operations near Duc Pho. Responding to an urgent call for emergency evacuation, Warrant Officer Heffernan quickly flew to the extraction site. He was unable to land because of the mountainous terrain and dense jungle, so he hovered above a small opening out in the trees while armed gunships raked the area around the site. While lifting the patient by hoist, the oil cooling system was hit by enemy ground fire. He quickly loaded the casualty and attempted to fly to a safer landing area with his oil pressure dropping rapidly. By skillful maneuvering, he was able to safely land in an open rice paddy. A Viet Cong force launched a sudden assault on the craft, as it touched down. Warrant Officer Heffernan quickly directed his crew and patient to a nearby ditch and formed a defensive perimeter. He fought furiously to repel enemy assaults as gunships moved into the area. Ignoring his own safety, he directed the fire of his men on the attacking insurgents and killed four of them before another rescue aircraft evacuated the crew. Warrant Officer Heffernan'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.