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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael J. LaRocco for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in An Xuyen Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 August 1969. On that date, Captain LaRocco flew in support of a friendly ground unit that was under attack in the Nam Can Forest. By the accurate and timely use of his smoke rockets, Captain LaRocco was able to suppress the ground fire while marking hostile positions for armed helicopters. His prompt actions were responsible for causing the hostile force to disengage and withdraw. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain LaRocco reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. 1.) ) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael J. LaRocco for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in An h Province, Republic of Vietnam on 30 August 1969. On that date, Captain LaRocco was forced to fly low over hostile positions because of poor visibility and low clouds, exposing himself to small arms and automatic weapons fire. This enabled him to accurately direct fighters and artillery on the hostile force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain LaRocco reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.