AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  HH-3A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank C. Koch for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander of an HH-3A armed combat rescue helicopter while attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven, Detachment One One Zero embarked on Seventh Fleet carriers in the Tonkin Gulf. On 6 September 1972, Lieutenant Commander Koch was aboard the USS Gridley (DLG-21) when word was received that a A-4 Skyhawk had been downed by anti-aircraft artillery fire. Within minutes Lieutenant Commander Koch had his combat rescue helicopter airborne and enroute to the rescue area. Receiving vectors in the air, Lieutenant Commander Koch learned that the survivor was within two miles of the coast of North Vietnam and that the wind was blowing him toward the beach. Lieutenant Commander Koch elected to transit dangerously close to the island of Hon Me to save valuable time. Upon entering the rescue area, splashes from coastal batteries were observed along with anti-aircraft artillery fire. Lieutenant Commander Koch made a high speed approach to drop his swimmer and moved away from the survivor to drop a smoke as a diversionary tactic. When signaled by the swimmer that he and the downed pilot were ready for the pick-up, Lieutenant Commander Koch quickly brought his combat rescue helicopter into a hover overhead and hoisted them aboard. Lieutenant Commander Koch's courageous leadership and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.