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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ralph D. Higinbotham, Specialist Four, United States Army, 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade, for heroism, while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Higinbotham distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1969 while participating in an air support mission for the 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry. The friendly elements were encircled by a North Vietnamese company. Enemy fire from a bunker at the edge of a woodline raked the area so heavily that casualties could not be moved back for evacuation. Twice when the helicopter landed within seventy-five meters of the hostile fortification, Specialist Higinbotham jumped from the craft amid the hostile fusillade to recover the wounded. Specialist Four Higinbotham's outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, an4 the United States Army.