AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Richard L. Hunter, Warrant Officer W1, United States Army, 336th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 25 November 1967 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Hunter distinguished himself while serving as pilot of an armed helicopter in support of a rescue mission of the crew of an aircraft which was shot down at a friendly outpost surrounded by a large enemy force. The outpost was also under heavy enemy mortar fire. When an aircraft descended to put down a smoke screen, Warrant Officer Hunter provided cover for the smoke ship. The unarmed rescue ship then began to approach the outpost. Warrant Officer Hunter provided the much needed suppressive fire which kept the rescue ship covered. On it's third and final attempt the rescue ship completed the extraction and safely left the area. Without Warrant Officer Hunter's cover, this extraction would have been almost impossible to complete. 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Richard L. Hunter, Warrant Officer W1, United States Army, 336th Assault Helicopter Company, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 6 January 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against a hostile force: Warrant Officer Hunter distinguished himself while serving as pilot and aircraft commander of the wing ship of a light team of armed helicopters supporting a MACV outpost under attack by the Viet Cong. He was directly instrumental in the destruction of numerous enemy positions and driving the enemy back. After having his ship damaged by numerous rounds and mortar, which went off below his ship, he instantly took over command of the aircraft. He placed rocket and machinegun fire down upon the enemy and directed the first aid being given to the wounded pilot. Upon returning to home base for refueling and rearming and delivering the wounded pilot to the hospital, he found his ship damaged so severely that he would not be able to take it back to the battle area again. He jumped into the last available ship which has just come out of maintenance and had untracked blades. Returning to the action, he continued to drive the enemy from the area. Due to his actions he was able to escort a medevac ship in and out of the area without it receiving a round. While the rescue ship was on the ground, he kept his ship in a tight orbit between the enemy fire and the rescue ship. Throughout the rest of the early morning hours, he kept the enemy constantly engaged. 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Richard L. Hunter, Warrant Officer W1, United States Army, 336th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 31 January 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Hunter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter. Warrant Officer Hunter displayed extreme courage as he ran a barrage of 75 recoilless and mortar fire to man his aircraft. He then flew through heavy automatic and machinegun fire to get his gunship off the airfield to engage the heavily fortified enemy positions. He proceeded to deliver a devastating barrage of machinegun and rocket fire upon the enemy positions. He repeatedly returned to the Soc Trang airfield, which was under continuous enemy fire, to rearm and refuel. Warrant Officer Hunter's courage, determination and devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the successful completion of the mission. 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.