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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Joseph R. Lucina for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Licina distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed UH-1C helicopter, operating in support of an encircled Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol near Plei Djereng. On his first gun run against the enemy forces, his aircraft received a hail of enemy fire which resulted in several hits. Although part of his main rotor had been shot away and his windshield had been shot out, he continued to make reported firing passes against the enemy positions. Only when the fuel situation had become critical did he return to his home field. Switching aircraft, he returned to the area of conflict and remained until it was ascertained that the ground unit was in a safe area. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Joseph R. Licina for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Licina distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed UH-1C helicopter that was flying wing position in a light fire team. The two aircraft fire team was providing air cover for medevacs which were extracting critically wounded personnel of a friendly battalion, forty kilometers northwest of Pleiku. On the third low level pass over the friendly landing zone, both aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire. Despite the fire directed toward his own ship, Warrant Officer Licina came around to bring protective fire under the lead aircraft. He continued to cover the lead aircraft and the evacuation helicopters until all the wounded were extracted from the landing zone. As the last aircraft lifted out of the landing zone, the area came under heavy mortar attack. Without hesitation, he followed his lead aircraft, as they attacked the enemy mortar positions. Only after they were silenced and his aircraft armament expended, did he pull off station. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.