AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  HH-53C

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the copilot of an HH-53C rescue helicopter near Quang Ngal, Republic of Vietnam, on 7 November 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Houk's outstanding airmanship and sound judgement displayed under extremely hazardous conditions, culminated in the rescue of seven American aircrew members from certain death or capture by hostile armed forces. With full knowledge that other rescue attempts had been deterred by hostile ground fire in the area, Lieutenant Houk monitored the flight controls and engine instruments as his rescue helicopter was flown fhrough marginal weather conditions to the survivors' location and was landed in a clearing from which all seven survivors were recovered. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Houk reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.