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 Brian Lee Michael, Warrant Officer, WO1, 57th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 3 August 1971 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Michael distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a lift helicopter involved in the extraction of a platoon engaged in heavy contact with the enemy in a classified area. On the first sortie the flight took intense enemy automatic weapons fire from two sides, thinking only of the mission, he skillfully brought his aircraft over the tight landing zone and then hovered 150 feet down through the jungle to make the extraction. On the second sortie into the landing zone, the enemy fire was even more intense due to the reduced number of friendly forces on the ground. Ignoring personal safety, he again expertly flew his aircraft into the hover hole to extract the remaining men. Later that same afternoon the flight was again asked to perform an emergency extraction of a small reconnaissance team engaged in heavy contact with the enemy. Darkness and mountainous terrain added to the extreme difficulty of the mission. Despite intense fire he was again successful in the emergency extraction. His outstanding flying ability and extreme courage added immensely to the success of the mission. His extraordinary valor and bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.