AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  UH-1

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Jerry D. Kelley for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 27 January 1969 while serving as a Helicopter Pilot with the aviation section, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date an OH-6 helicopter carrying a pilot and the S-3 of the 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry was shot down by a large, well-armed Viet Cong and North Vietnamese force north of Ben Luc. The helicopter crash landed in front of the hostile bunker positions on the opposite side of advancing elements of the 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry. There was no cover for the injured men and only slight concealment. At this time, Warrant Officer Kelley was acting as Pilot of a brigade UH-1 command and control helicopter in the immediate area and was directed to rescue the men. Without hesitation, Warrant Officer Kelley and his Co-pilot made an immediate descent in full view of the hostile positions, retrieving the crew of the downed craft. Warrant Officer Kelley's valorous actions and devotion to duty 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 Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Jerry D. Kelley for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 18 September 1969 while serving as a Helicopter Pilot with the aviation section, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, a medical evacuation helicopter was requested for a seriously injured soldier in Vo Dat. After requests for aircraft from Long Binh and Saigon were denied because of extremely poor weather conditions, he volunteered to attempt the evacuation. To avoid hitting nearby structures, he lifted his helicopter vertically until the craft began to stall. Then he flew in a circular pattern to gain groundspeed. Despite the zero visibility Warrant Officer Kelley, with the aid of illumination rounds, avoided several large hills and mountains along the flight path to Vo Dat. Then relying solely on his radar and instruments to guide him, he landed in the remote area and evacuated the injured soldier to the nearest medical facility. Warrant Officer Kelley's 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.