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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael E. Herndon for exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Herndon distinguished himself on 8 April 1972, while serving as Aircraft Commander of an air ambulance helicopter during an urgent medical evacuation mission to extract two seriously wounded crew members of another helicopter, who were shot down near Burma Dob, Republic of Vietnam. After hovering over the downed aircraft, Captain Herndon repeatedly exposed himself to continuous enemy small arms fire maintaining complete control over the aircraft and the hoist mission. After evacuating the wounded to safety, Captain Herndon voluntarily returned to the crash site twice to hoist out a small allied force which had also supported the medical evacuation mission. Through his sound judgment, he contributed immeasurably to the successful evacuation of the seriously wounded and the mission. Captain Herndon'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.