AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lynn C Hooper, Captain, Artillery, USA, 189th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 31 August 1967 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Hooper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a flight leader of a night extraction mission. A reconnaissance patrol had been pinned down and surrounded by a superior enemy force just north of the Pleiku valley, Republic of Vietnam. Operating in the most marginal weather conditions, Captain Hooper planned, coordinated and led the successful extraction. Through his courage, disregard of his own personal safety and utilization of sound judgement, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross ( First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lynn C. Hooper, Captain, Artillery, United States Army, 189th Avn Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 27 November 1967 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Hooper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as platoon commander and flight leader of an armed helicopter flight of two light fire teams. Captain Hooper acted as an escort for a flight of eight cargo helicopters which were attempting to extract a trapped friendly unit deep in enemy territory. Upon arriving at the area, he immediately led his fire team on devastating runs over the enemy positions. He continued his accuracy as he brought suppressive fire upon the enemy emplacements. The enemy was forced to break contact with the friendly unit and the extraction was successfully completed. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lynn C. Hooper, Captain, Artillery, United States Army, 189th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 13 July 1967 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Hooper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as fire team leader of a pair of armed helicopters during a combat support mission. A friendly ground force had made contact with a superior enemy force and was in desperate need of support. Arriving with his fire team, Captain Hooper immediately directed and applied suppressive fire on the enemy positions and forced the enemy to break contact with the friendly force. While his wingman provided suppressive fire, Captain Hooper went into a small landing zone to evacuate a seriously wounded soldier. On a second trip into the landing zone he delivered much needed ammunition and grenades. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Third Oak leaf Cluster) to Lynn C. Hooper, Captain, Artillery, United States Army, 189th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 2 February 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Hooper distinguished himself while serving as an aircraft commander of an armed helicopter involved in an attack on a battalion of enemy troops. Although three other aircraft had already been shot down by the ever increasing enemy ground fire, he repeatedly braved the hostile fire and effected devastating gun runs on the enemy positions. Due to the proximity of the friendly ground troops to the enemy positions, extreme accuracy was necessary for the firing of his rockets. While making his rocket runs on the hostile positions, he also directed the fire of his door gunners into pockets of enemy resistance. Remaining on station throughout the period of contact, he was truly instrumental in the successful annihilation of the insurgent battalion. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.