AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1N

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Thomas S. Mochen for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Aerial Gunner near Tieu Atar, Republic of Vietnam on 1 June 1971. On that date, Sergeant Mochen executed numerous devastating firing passes against a hostile force in support of a friendly long-range reconnaissance patrol. Although under intense anti-aircraft fire, the accurate and lethal firepower provided by Sergeant Mochen resulted in the rescue of the entire patrol. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mochen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Thomas S. Mochen for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Aerial Gunner near Tieu Atar, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 August 1971. On that date, Sergeant Mochen executed numerous firing passes, at low level, in support of a long-range reconnaissance patrol which was under heavy opposing automatic weapons fire deep in hostile territory. The extremely accurate and devastating firepower delivered by Sergeant Mochen's minigun fire, dispersed the hostile forces and allowed the rescue of the entire patrol. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mochen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Thomas S. Mochen for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1N Helicopter Aerial Gunner near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 September 1971. On that date, Sergeant Mochen provided highly accurate and lethal firepower in support of a friendly long-range reconnaissance team surrounded deep in hostile territory. Despite heavy small arms fire, Sergeant Mochen consistently exposed himself to hostile fire in order to give the team better cover. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mochen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Thomas S. Mochen for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-N Helicopter Gunner near Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 September 1971. On that date, Sergeant Mochen was a Gunner of an aircraft that landed on a steep, thickly-wooded hillside to rescue a beleaguered Reconnaissance Patrol with a wounded member under heavy hostile fire. Despite the terrain restrictions and taking several hits from ground fire, Sergeant Mochen affected the recovery of all team members. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mochen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.