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 Robert A. Albracht, Captain, Armor, United States Army, 155th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam for action dated 25 March 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Albracht distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as air mission commander flying in a UH-1H command and control helicopter during helicopter airlift operations near Buon Drang. Friendly elements on the ground reported they were under extremely heavy contact with an estimated battalion size enemy force. They called for air support to pin down the enemy and enable them to withdraw. Captain Albracht placed his aircraft at low level over the hostile forces and engaged them with doorguns. Despite the heavy volume of automatic weapons fire being directed at his aircraft, he made repeated gun runs on the enemy allowing the friendly forces precious time to break contact, withdraw, recover their wounded and regroup. When a gunship team arrived, he marked the hostile locations for them and directed their firepower. He arranged an immediate airlift of reinforcements, personally directing the flight to follow him into the landing zone in the face of hostile fire. He then directed lift aircraft into an emergency landing zone to evacuate the wounded personnel, after which he landed in the landing zone to provide the allied forces with a resupply of ammunition and medical supplies. 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.