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 William A. Lurvey, Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, United States Army, Company A 1st Aviation Battalion, for action dated 28 April 1969 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: On this date, Chief Warrant Officer Lurvey was serving as a helicopter pilot while engaged in a direct combat support mission which involved the resupplying of ground troops at their field locations. As his aircraft was departing from a landing zone, it was subjected to a vicious small arms and automatic weapons fusillade which injured the commander of the ship. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Warrant Officer Lurvey braved a hail of hostile rounds as he assumed control of the helicopter. While performing evasive maneuvers in an effort to avoid the enemy fire, he was seriously wounded in the head. Unable to move his legs, he requested the aircraft commander to resume control of the ship. Chief Warrant Officer Lurvey’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.