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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Stephen L. Howard, Warrant Officer, United States Army, Co A, 4th Avn Bn, 4th Inf Div, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 29 March 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Howard distinguished himself while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Company A, 4th Aviation Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. On 29 March 1970, a long range reconnaissance patrol made contact with an enemy force northeast of An Khe and needed to be extracted. The team was located at the bottom of a narrow valley, surrounded by trees. Despite the presence of enemy troops and extremely hazardous terrain, Warrant Officer Howard made a slow vertical descent into the area. As he neared the ground, Warrant Officer Howard’s craft began receiving fire. Undaunted, Warrant Officer Howard landed and completed the extraction without his helicopter being hit or anyone on board injured. Warrant Officer Howard’s exceptional courage, professional skill and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.