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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert D. Kerr for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Kerr distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the Pilot and Air Mission Commander for a flight of twelve air cavalry helicopters. He was conducting a visual reconnaissance of a suspected enemy location in Thien Hoa Province. Captain Kerr ordered a gunship strike on a canal line after the scout helicopters had spotted an armed enemy force. After the gunships had completed their passes on the enemy, the light observation helicopters returned to assess the damage to the heavily fortified bunkers and were immediately hit by heavy automatic weapons fire. The lead aircraft caught fire and crash landed in very close proximity to the enemy positions while his wing ship touched down some 800 meters away. Captain Kerr realized that if the men were to be rescued it would have to be accomplished immediately. With complete disregard for his own safety he ordered the gunships to provide close support and rushed to assist the stricken members. He raced through a hail of enemy bullets and successfully piloted his aircraft to the first crash site. He quickly evacuated the crewmen of the first ship just as the downed aircraft blew up. He then proceeded to the wing ship and extracted the second crew. His bravery, speed and skill was responsible for the saving of the four crewman without the loss of a single life. His intrepid 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.