AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Paul L. Joplin, Artillery, 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Combat aviation Battalion for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 5 November 1966 to 12 November 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Captain Joplin’s unit was providing air support to the 1st Infantry Division during Operation Attleboro. He distinguished himself by serving in a position of great responsibility as an Aircraft Commander. While in flight, Captain Joplin was constantly exposed to intense hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire. He flew numerous supply and medical evacuation missions for forward ground units both during the hours of daylight and darkness. Frequently he completely disregarded his personal safety, braved devastating hostile barrages and landed in numerous unsecured landing zones in order to accomplish his missions. Over half of the flights were flown under the most adverse weather conditions to include low ceilings, limited visibility and driving rain. Captain Joplin demonstrated the highest degree of professional competence and adroit flying skill throughout this entire period. The unparalleled tenacity, dynamic leadership and exemplary initiative displayed by Captain Joplin insured the delivery of critically needed material, was responsible for the evacuation of seriously wounded soldiers to safety and materially contributed to the success of the operation. Captain Joplin’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Combat Aviation Battalion, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Joplin, Paul L., Captain, Artillery, United States Army, 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Combat aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Group, 1st 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: Captain Joplin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 February 1967 while serving as commander of a troop transport helicopter during an air assault mission near Doc Hua. Captain Joplin’s flight of transport aircraft followed the first flight into a landing zone where there were many fortified Viet Cong emplacements. As his flight approached the landing zone, insurgents hit several helicopters with intense fire, but caused no serious damage. On the second flight into the area, however, hostile fire increased, injuring both pilots of the first aircraft and severely damaging several of the helicopters. Captain Joplin took command of the flight, led the aircraft back to their staging area, and utilized the seven helicopters remaining in flying condition to hurry reinforcements to the ground units already in the zone. Captain Joplin’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.