AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-13

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert G. Holland for heroism while participating in aerial flight. On 11 February 1966, Captain Holland distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Aircraft Commander of an OH-13 scout helicopter on an artillery fire adjustment mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Holland and his Aerial Observer maintained close aerial support of the infantry, which was heavily engaged with a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Having inflicted heavy damage on the enemy, Captain Holland observed enemy soldiers crossing a river in an attempt to break contact. Unable to adjust artillery fire on the fleeing enemy, Captain Holland dived his helicopter into the enemy, firing his individual rifle. He made several firing passes on the enemy, resulting in the abandonment of a machine gun. Captain Holland landed his helicopter and recovered the machine gun to prevent its further use against friendly forces. Captain Holland's courageous action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.