AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AH-1G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward J. Miller for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 June 1969. Major Miller distinguished himself by valorous actions at Fire Support Base Currahee, in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Major Miller was assigned as the Pilot of an AH-1G helicopter at the fire base. At approximately 1700 hours, the fire base was suddenly subjected to an intense mortar attack of more than sixty rounds. All occupants of the fire base sought cover as the first rounds started falling, except Major Miller and his crew, who resolutely ran to their aircraft. During the approximately one minute that elapsed while he was starting the aircraft, many rounds impacted within the fire base. Five rounds impacted within the aircraft parking area within fifteen meters of his ship. As he took off, twelve to fifteen more rounds impacted where the aircraft had been parked. Once airborne, he immediately attacked and silenced the suspected enemy mortar positions. His courageous actions and orderly departure in the midst of exploding mortar rounds saved his aircraft from certain destruction thus averting further damage and danger to the personnel on the ground. Major Miller's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward J. Miller for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 July 1969. Major Miller distinguished himself while serving as the Aircraft Commander of an AH-1G helicopter at Phong Diem, Republic of Vietnam. On the cited date, a reinforced Viet Cong platoon attacked the Phong Diem District Headquarters. Major Miller immediately flew to the site and observed a heavy volume of enemy mortar and rocket-propelled grenade fire engaging the allied compound. Disregarding the heavy volume of fire, he began directing aerial rocket artillery and mini-gun fire onto the enemy positions. The compound, bordered on three sides by populated areas, made it necessary for Major Miller to fly very low through the enemy ground fire to insure the accuracy of his fire. Adding to the danger, the friendly illumination silhouetted his aircraft and the fire from the besieged compound ricocheted into his flight path. Observing the primary Viet Cong position, he directed a heavy volume of fire onto it, successfully repelling the attack and causing the insurgents to flee. His immediate response and accurate fire power were the deciding factors in the successful defense of the Phong Diem District Headquarters. Major Miller's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward J. Miller for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 September 1969. Major Miller distinguished himself while serving as Flight Commander for three aerial rocket artillery aircraft in support of an insertion of a long range reconnaissance element northwest of Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam. The insertion was attempted on three separate occasions during the day. Each time the flight was subjected to intense automatic weapons fire. Major Miller immediately directed the fire from all aircraft onto the enemy positions. Disregarding his own safety, he flew at a very low level over the enemy force, drawing its fire away from the unarmed aircraft and directing the suppressive fire of his own aircraft and that of his team. He continued to remain in the hostile environment until all other helicopters were safely clear of the area. At the conclusion of the third attempt, one of the troop carrying aircraft was forced down and required immediate armed helicopter support. Major Miller flew low over the downed aircraft while directing the remainder of his team to protect from above. Major Miller's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.