AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jon R. Mills for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Mills distinguished himself by heroic action on 14 November 1965, in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, he was serving as Flight Leader of four aircraft on a combat mission. His flight was involved in lifting the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) into landing zone X-Ray, eight miles west of Plei Me, Vietnam. After four successful lifts were completed into the area, Captain Mills was advised that the area was under heavy enemy attack, but the infantry that he was carrying were desperately needed. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Mills elected to continue into the landing zone. Upon landing, the fire was so heavy that six of the ten men on his aircraft became casualties. Departing the area, he led the flight at low level to avoid an incoming barrage of artillery and returned to the pickup zone. Upon arrival Captain Mills was advised that the unit at landing zone X-Ray needed the immediate evacuation of casualties. Captain Mills volunteered to return to the hostile area to effect evacuation of the seriously wounded. Displaying outstanding flying ability he vertically descended through tall trees, heavy smoke, and intense enemy fire into landing zone X-Ray. Immediately upon landing he began directing the loading of the more seriously wounded on his aircraft. Determined to render assistance to the infantry as long as it was required, Captain Mills made 13 subsequent landings, while under heavy enemy fire, to affect ammunition resupply and evacuation of casualties. Captain Mills' courage and bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John R. Mills for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Mills distinguished himself as Pilot of a UH-1D helicopter supporting the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, in a combat operation north of Bong Son. After participating in numerous combat missions throughout the day, he was given the mission of flying the lead aircraft in an assault to lift reinforcements for the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, which was heavily engaged with the enemy. Upon completing the lift, the ground commander notified Captain Mills that four helicopters would be required for medical evacuation. As darkness approached, three aircraft were sent to secure a landing zone while Captain Mills went to locate the embattled company. The ground unit was in a small field with tall trees and shrubs on three sides and had enemy snipers throughout the area. After darkness fell, Captain Mills, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, decided to attempt the extraction. His helicopter, a target for the enemy sharpshooters, approached the extremely small pick-up zone. Not being able to use his aircraft lights he landed using a flashlight as his only ground reference. Twice that night Captain Mills flew into the embattled unit's area to perform the extraction of the critically wounded soldiers. Both times while under enemy sniper fire he completed his approaches safely using only a flashlight as ground reference. Through his outstanding flying ability, courage and devotion to duty, twelve Americans were evacuated to medical aid without delay which undoubtedly aided in saving their lives. Captain Mills' actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.