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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Glenn R. Locke, Warrant Officer W1, United States Army, Trp B, 3d Sqdn, 17th Air Cav, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 6 January 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Locke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a troop carrying helicopter on a combat assault mission near An Loc. As the ships were landing in the landing zone, the enemy suddenly unleashed a heavy volume of .50 caliber machine gun and automatic rifle fire. One ship was hit, burst into flames and crashed in the landing zone. The remainder of the flight hastily departed with their troops still aboard. Two supporting gunships were also shot down by the murderous fire and two more damaged so badly they had to leave the area. Warrant Officer Locke learned that the riflemen left in the landing zone were in immediate danger of being overrun. Without hesitation, he turned back and reentered the hostile area. His aircraft immediately became the target of intensive enemy fire, yet he elected to land. There were more people than the aircraft could safely carry out of the area, yet he left none behind and departed with thirteen people in his ship. The dangerously overloaded aircraft was barely able to clear the high barriers, and only through Warrant Officer Locke's exceptional flying ability was the ship piloted to safety. 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.