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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, has awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Sixth Oak Leaf Cluster) to CAPTAJN JOHN V. MEYERS UNITED STATES ARMY for heroism while participating in aerial flight: Captain John V. Meyers, Field Artillery, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while a member of Headquarters, 219th Aviation Company (Utility Airplane), Republic of Vietnam on 9 February 1970. At approximately 1100 hours, while flying an 0-1 aircraft on a reconnais1nce mission, he spotted an enemy truck convoy moving along an enemy controlled road. Captain Meyers called for helicopter gunships which were in support of his mission, vectored them to the target area, and commenced to mark the partially concealed convoy with marking rockets. On his first firing pass, Captain Meyers began to receive intense, well- aimed small arms, .50 caliber and other automatic weapons fire: Despite the aggressive enemy air defense, he continued to make marking runs, receiving withering fire on each pass. As Captain Meyers marked each target, it was necessary for the gunships to remain aloft to observe the marking round. As a result, on each pass the entire air defense of the area was focused on his aircraft. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Meyers continued his mission until all rockets were expended. Realizing that there were still lucrative unengaged targets (trucks, bunkers and gun emplacements) remaining, he made an extremely low and dangerous pass to mark additional targets with smoke grenades. Post strike reconnaisnce by Captain Meyers confirmed two trucks destroyed as well as several bunkers and gun emplacements. 'Captain Meyers' heroism and intrepidity were an inspiration to all who observed and reflects great credit on him and the United States Army.