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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Edmund E. Hughes III, First Lieutenant, United States Army, Infantry, 116th Aviation Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Hughes distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 April 1971 while serving as a Section Commander with the 116 th Aviation Company. On that date, a helicopter gunship was providing air support for a night combat patrol when the friendly element suddenly came under intense enemy fire approximately fifteen miles west of Duc Pho. The gunship attempted to direct protective fire around the friendly troops but was driven away by the hostile fusillade. Realizing the necessity of quickly evacuating the friendly patrol, Lieutenant Hughes flew his helicopter flare ship towards the men. As he attempted to set down his craft, he received an intense barrage from the hostile position and was forced to break off the approach. In his second attempt to rescue the patrol, he received fire from three sides but still managed to successfully land and pick up the men. Through his timely actions, he contributed greatly to the rescue of the patrol at a very grave risk to his own life. First Lieutenant Hughes's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.