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

Citation:  1.) The call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam; Specialist Four Long distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 February 1969 while serving as patient protector aboard a medical evacuation helicopter during a rescue mission near the Hoi An River south of Da Nang. Without gunship cover or any other mode of air support, Specialist Long and fellow crewmen undertook the dangerous task of evacuating several Korean marines from the midst of a raging firefight. After considerable navigational difficulty because of low-hanging clouds, the allies' position was finally discovered, and the evacuation helicopter inched down into the treacherous rock formations which characterized the battle terrain. While the firefight raged all about the emergency landing zone, Specialist Long dashed out into the barrages of hostile fire to carry the wounded marines to the waiting helicopter. As the helicopter lifted off, it came under heavy enemy ground fire, and the crew chief was seriously wounded in the leg. Enroute to medical facilities, Specialist Long tended to the wounded marines while the medical aidman administered first aid to the seriously injured crew chief. Specialist Four Long's outstanding courage 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.