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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Gilbert C. Lattimer, Chief Warrant Officer, W2, United States Army, 219 th Reconnaissance Airplane Company, 1 st Aviation Brigade, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Chief Warrant Officer Lattimer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 September 1966 while flying combat observation support near Qui Nhon. Warrant Officer Lattimer was dispatched to observe the area around Phu Loi Bridge in anticipation of a Viet Cong attempt to take the bridge. On arrival, he saw a company of insurgents approaching and called for air support. Since the Viet Cong were approaching rapidly, he decided to assault them with target marking rockets, hoping to slow their advance. He immediately received intense fire, which hit the aircraft several times and broke his aileron control cables, making further maneuvers dangerous. Undaunted, he continued to support ground troops at the bridge. When gunships arrived, he flew low passes over the hostile positions to mark them and again drew intense fire. His own dangerous tactics, and control of the supporting gunships, stopped the insurgents and placed the ground force in control of the bridge. Warrant Officer Lattimer'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.