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 Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Curtis A. Loop for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Loop distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Air-mission Commander of airmobile operations in support of friendly infantry near Tan Linh. After marking the landing zone for the troop ships, he took up an orbit over the area and when the sixth aircraft into the single ship area was destroyed by an enemy explosive device, he saw the enemy location and immediately engaged them with the machine guns of his command and control helicopter. In the meantime he called for three light fireteams of helicopter gunships. He courageously flew into the enemy area to mark the position for the gunships. Through his courage and quick thinking, he saved a friendly infantry platoon from numerous casualties. 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.