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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) John Edmond Luscher for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against Communist insurgent forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. As aircraft Commander of the wingship of a light helicopter gunship fire team, Lieutenant (junior grade) Luscher aided in the defense of the United States Embassy and Officer Quarters Number Three in the city of Saigon which was under heavy enemy attack. Flying through hails of heavy automatic weapons fire, he covered both positions with illumination flares and suppressive fire until daybreak. As ammunition resupply and rescue helicopters arrived in the area, Lieutenant (junior grade) Luscher covered and escorted them to the American Embassy and other required locations. When one aircraft was forced down by enemy fire, Lieutenant (junior grade) Luscher boldly maneuvered his aircraft between the enemy positions and the downed helicopter providing suppressive fire and overhead cover until recovery of the crew and aircraft was affected. When his leadship returned to base because of a casualty, he volunteered to return to Saigon single ship to aid in the heavy fighting that was still in progress. Upon returning, Lieutenant (junior grade) Luscher first supported a village which was overrun by the enemy. Disregarding heavy automatic weapons fire, he delivered daring and accurate attacks on enemy positions, destroying an enemy mobile heavy weapon and routing the enemy from the village. Lieutenant (junior grade) Luscher then went to the aid of an outpost on the perimeter on Ton Son Nhut Air Base which was under attack by heavy enemy fire and although dangerously low on fuel, continued to attack enemy positions until all the enemy fire in that area was suppressed. Lieutenant (junior grade) Luscher's heroic actions during more than six straight hours of combat flight were considered significant in the repulsion of enemy attacks on the United States Embassy and other American and allied positions in and around the city of Saigon and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.