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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Master Sergeant Daniel L. Hughes for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Scanner near Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 17 February 1970. On that date, Sergeant Hughes discovered a bomb-like device aboard a C-141 Military Airlift Command Aeromedical Evacuation mission aircraft loaded with 14 patients, 10 passengers, and 7 crew members. With complete disregard to his own safety, Sergeant Hughes acted as a human shield by placing himself between the device and the patients. He exercised utmost control and superior judgment in appraising and advising the Aircraft Commander of the situation. He continued to protect his fellow men until the aircraft could be depressurized and he could expel the device from the aircraft. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow men, Sergeant Hughes is credited with saving both the lives of 31 servicemen and a multi-million dollar aircraft. The outstanding heroism and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hughes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.