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 Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Stephen A. Herbruck for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Herbruck distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter on a mission to rescue the crew and passengers of a helicopter shot down in enemy territory. He flew his aircraft into the enemy territory in order to insert a security force that was to protect the downed personnel while they were being moved to the helicopters. Landing was impossible due to the trees and stumps, so he brought his aircraft to a hover while the security force jumped to the ground. He then departed the area while the medevac ships came in. Returning later to extract the security force, he held his aircraft at a hover, waiting for all the men to climb aboard. The ship suddenly came under heavy enemy fire. Realizing the situation the men would be in if he departed the area, he held his aircraft in position until all the men had scrambled aboard. His 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.