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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Charles R. Holzler for extraordinary heroism and gallantry while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer Holzler distinguished himself by heroism in action on 17 January 1967, while serving as pilot of a UH-1D lift helicopter during a combat assault mission in the An Lao Valley, Republic of Vietnam. When a friendly aircraft was downed by hostile fire, Warrant Officer Holzler volunteered to pilot his aircraft on the assault to secure the downed helicopter. As the weather was rapidly deteriorating when the flight departed, Warrant Officer Holzler was forced to fly at a low level through heavy rain and fog. Although several enemy weapons fired on them from both sides of the valley Warrant Officer Holzler, with complete disregard for his own safety, flew through the intense hostile fire until he neared the landing zone. On his final approach, he was informed that the flight was receiving automatic weapons fire from the side. However he continued his approach through the enemy fire and landed near the disabled aircraft, leaving only after all the aircraft in his flight had landed and discharged their troops. Warrant Officer Holzler's display of personal bravery and professional flying ability is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.