AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer 1 Jon C. Lafferty for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Lafferty distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 April 1970 while serving as a helicopter Pilot with the 178th Aviation Company. On that date, the friendly ground forces situated at Landing Zone Siberia was engaged in heavy contact with a large enemy force and urgently needed a resupply of ammunition. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Warrant Officer Lafferty unhesitatingly volunteered to undertake the mission. Ignoring the danger involved, he skillfully coordinated his flight under strict radio and visual surveillance until he reached the landing zone. Arriving on station, Warrant Officer Lafferty's craft came under intense volumes of hostile fire from well-entrenched enemy positions. Skillfully maneuvering his helicopter toward the landing pad, he quickly directed the unloading of the supplies and departed the area under a hail of enemy rounds. Through his timely actions, he contributed greatly to the overall success of the mission. Warrant Officer Lafferty's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.