AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Robert J. Lifsey, First Lieutenant, Armor, United States Army, 191 st Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 27 September 1969 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: First Lieutenant Lifsey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while commanding a gunship and a light fire team engaged by an estimated enemy company. During routine reconnaissance of a proposed landing zone, he spotted numerous camouflaged individuals attempting to hide near the landing zone. After an initial rocket run, the insurgents directed all their available firepower at the gunships. First Lieutenant Lifsey flew over the contact area for two and one-half hours, expending his armament twice and often conducting reconnaissance in front of the ground forces with only door gun fire. Due to his leadership and devotion to duty, thirty-one enemy dead were accounted for and numerous weapons, documents and two prisoners were taken. His courage under fire, leadership, and professionalism were exemplary. 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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Robert J. Lifsey, Captain, Armor, United States Army, 191st Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 13 November 1969 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Lifsey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as lead gunship supporting the insertions of allied infantry. Although his aircraft had been hit on two different occasions by ground fire, he continued on station. When the ground troops suffered seven causalities from booby traps, he landed his gunship under heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire and evacuated two wounded soldiers. Later, Captain Lifesey was assigned to support an element which was securing a downed aircraft hit during an insertion. Even though his aircraft had been hit by ground fire, damaging the rotor blade, he refused to depart the area until he was sure that the crew and aircraft were evacuated. He was directly responsible for twenty-six enemy soldiers killed and the capture of numerous small arms and ammunition. His outstanding personal courage, leadership, and deep dedication to duty were exemplary. 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of
the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Robert J. Lifsey, Captain, Armor,
United States Army, 191st Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), Republic of Vietnam, for action
dated 18 November 1969 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary
actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Lifsey distinguished himself by
exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of the lead helicopter
of a light fire team supporting allied infantry. While searching a suspected enemy
location he was engaged by an enemy force. Immediately he retaliated with door gun
fire and rocket runs, routing the enemy and securing the landing zone. Prior to
another insertion of infantry he spotted several enemy troops and again he placed
effective fire on them. When he returned later, he received intense fire which
wounded the pilot and ruptured a fuel pump. Realizing the danger of fire, he elected to
land immediately. Once on the ground he began gathering all vital equipment, and
refused to board the evacuation ship until his crew was on board and his ship stripped
of all essential items. 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.