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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Howard M. Klein for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 October 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Klein distinguished himself while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter which was part of a three-helicopter team on a mission to extract a long-range reconnaissance patrol deep within enemy territory. Twice that day, Chief Warrant Officer Klein was forced to return to his home base of operations due to an electrical failure in his aircraft and damage sustained from heavy volumes of automatic weapons fire. When his aircraft first came under fire, he skillfully maneuvered it out of range of enemy fire while directing the fire of his Door Gunners. On his third attempt, Chief Warrant Officer Klein's aircraft was scrambled, as a tactical emergency was declared for the extraction of a long-range reconnaissance patrol which was surrounded by a large enemy force. Knowing that the area of the pickup zone was infested with enemy anti-aircraft positions, Chief Warrant Officer Klein joined the extraction team which was already enroute. As the flight approached the pickup zone, it was met by an intense barrage of enemy automatic weapons fire which damaged the lead aircraft. As the second aircraft approached the pickup zone, Chief Warrant Officer Klein maneuvered his aircraft into orbit over the zone in order to draw enemy fire away from the extracting aircraft. While maintaining his orbit, he alertly spotted enemy positions and relayed the knowledge of their location to the light fire team and tactical air support. Upon completion of the extraction, Chief Warrant Officer Klein flew his aircraft through intense enemy fire to safely return his aircraft and crew to his home base. Chief Warrant Officer Klein's personal bravery 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.