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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Christopher S. Kilgore for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 6 January 1969 while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date Warrant Officer Kilgore was serving as Aircraft Commander for the Brigade Commander's command and control craft on a search operation. As the search proceeded, a light observation helicopter was shot down, and a subsequent attempt to rescue the beleaguered crew members by another craft was foiled by concentrated enemy fire. When the Brigade Commander ordered his crew to attempt a rescue, Warrant Officer Kilgore displayed the highest degree of resourcefulness in piloting his craft into the area. On the first sweep across the area, he located and brought suppressive fire upon the enemy positions. On a second sweep, his craft was riddled with small arms fire and forced to leave the area, but only after his proficient efforts had enabled the man of the disabled craft to reach safety. Warrant Officer Kilgore's courage 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.