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

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer King distinguished himself on the morning of 11 December 1968, while flying as team leader of the 173d Airborne Brigade's Aero Scounts. On this day, one of the Brigade's aircraft ws brought down by enemy ground fire in the rugged Vinh Thanh mountains northeast of An Khe. Five persons, including the aircraft commander and one gunner, were trapped in the wreckage. After a call for assistance, Warrant Officer King demonstrated his outstanding flying ability while hovering around the crash site and providing on-the-spot security until ground troops could be assaulted into the area. There were numerous times that he came under heavy automatic ground fire which was hampering rescue attempts. He hovered into a nearby bomb crater and dropped his gunner/crew chief for immediate assistance. All through the day he contributed immeasurably to rescue operations by coordinating with Crown Command and Control Air Force Rescue aircraft that were circling high overhead. Warrant Officer King's outstanding flying ability 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.