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 Captain William F. Holmes for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Holmes distinguished himself on 24 October 1970 while serving as Flight Leader of a UH-1H utility helicopter during an emergency extraction in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. When a long-range reconnaissance team came in contact with an estimated company-size force, Captain Holmes volunteered to attempt the extraction. Unable to land because of the thick vegetation, Captain Holmes held his aircraft in a steady hover over the beleaguered unit while a jungle penetrator was lowered and the team was extracted. The entire operation was conducted under intense enemy anti-aircraft fire. When one of the helicopters was forced to make an emergency landing, Captain Holmes flew a second sortie through the intense enemy fire and extracted the downed crew. Although his aircraft had received numerous hits, Captain Holmes continued the operation until it was successfully completed. Captain Holmes 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.