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 Warrant Officer William L. Hoenstine for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. These men distinguished themselves by exceptionally valorous actions while serving aboard a heavy helicopter Helibucket during a mission to extinguish flames of a burning camp and ammunition dump at Fire Support Base Nancy. Arriving at the fiery holocaust, they quickly contacted the ground unit, picked the closest water point and directed their aircraft to begin making passes over the inferno. Some twenty sorties were required to douse the flames and on all but the last two, exploding ammunition violently shook the aircraft creating an extreme hazard for them. Their courage and devotion to duty contributed greatly to the extinguishing of the fire and the saving of many lives. Their actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, their unit, and the United States Army.