AWARDED DFC: 1
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 Herbert L. Hirst, Captain, United States Army, Battery A, 2d Battalion, 20th Artillery, Republic of Vietnam, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Hirst distinguished himself by heroism in action on 26 January 1967, while leading a section of aerial rocket artillery helicopters on a mission of providing fire support for the insertion of a reconnaissance force near Phan Thiet, Republic of Vietnam. When the ground force commander reported receiving heavy automatic weapons fire from the edge of the landing zone, Captain Hirst engaged the enemy and was taken under fire from multiple enemy positions. After several more rocket runs the second aircraft had expended all of its ordnance and was released to rearm and refuel. When the reconnaissance force began receiving hostile fire again, Captain Hirst recognized the critical situation and made a low pass to pinpoint the enemy locations. He continued to make low rocket runs, drawing hostile fire away from the friendly unit, until his rocket and machine gun ammunition was expended. His disregard for his own safety by flying his single aircraft against a determined enemy was responsible for saving friendly lives and insured the successful completion of the mission. Captain Hirst' s action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.