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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer William B. Kimbrough, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight. On 22 February 1967, during Operation Junction City, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough was Aircraft Commander of a transport helicopter flying in support of infantry units which were heavily engaged in combat with well-fortified Viet Cong forces. Despite limited visibility caused by ground fog, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough unhesitatingly flew numerous sorties of troops and external loads of howitzers and ammunition to forward sites in order to furnish supporting fire to friendly troops. As he approached an unsecured landing zone, his aircraft was subjected to intense hostile fire. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough braved the hostile fire and immediately directed suppressive fire onto the insurgents. After he had sufficiently suppressed the insurgent fire to enable him to execute a safe landing, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough discharged the friendly troops and quickly unloaded the critically needed ammunition. During his ascent out of the zone, he again received heavy concentrations of enemy fire. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough immediately undertook evasive maneuvers to avoid the unrelenting hostile fire and simultaneously strafed the enemy positions. Throughout the day, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough made repeated trips to resupply American soldiers, each time disregarding the intense hostile fire which was directed at his aircraft. His display of exceptional flying ability coupled with his bold determination while under hostile fire significantly contributed to the success of this decisive operation. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough's actions are in keeping with the finest 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 Chief Warrant Officer William B. Kimbrough, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough distinguished himself by heroic actions on 7 April 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Aircraft Commander of a China-47 helicopter, delivering critically needed 105 howitzer ammunition to elements of the First Infantry Division. It was learned that landing zone Thrust was under heavy Viet Cong mortar fire, and the batteries were running extremely low on ammunition. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough immediately coordinated with the supporting element at Quan Loi and within minutes was on the way to thrust with the badly needed ammunition. Contacting the ground element at landing zone Thrust, he was further advised that the artillery pieces were firing in a 360 degree fan and the only possible safe approach into the area was low level flight from three miles away. Knowing the danger involved, he maneuvered his helicopter to within fifty feet of the trees and proceeded to the landing zone. His approach was complicated by darkness, tall trees, stumps and dust in the area. Although receiving intense fire on the first approach into the landing zone, he continued with complete confidence and courage, successfully delivering the badly needed ammunition into the area without damage to his aircraft. Throughout the night, he flew several similar missions, demonstrating the utmost in flying ability and courage. With the ammunition resupplied, the batteries were able to silence the Viet Cong mortars. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough'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.