AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6 (Loach)

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Robert H. Hepler for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 17 March 1969 while serving as an aerial observer with the Air cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Hepler took part in an aerial reconnaissance operation in preparation for a friendly ground operation scheduled to begin the following morning. Throughout the nine-hour period while his aircraft flew over the large enemy base camp, he was continually exposed to hostile automatic weapons and heavy machine gun fire. Nevertheless, he repeatedly leaned out the door of his helicopter to place suppressive fire on the enemy positions and mark them with smoke grenades. When supporting aircraft arrived on the scene, Sergeant Hepler assisted his pilot in directing helicopter gunship assaults and tactical airstrikes. During this long and fierce engagement he was credited with killing eleven of the enemy and contributed significantly to the destruction of numerous hostile fortifications. Sergeant Hepler's skillful, aggressive and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.