AWARDED DFC: 1
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 Specialist Four John M. Monaghan for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Specialist Four Monaghan distinguished himself while serving as a crew member on a UH-1D helicopter in support of friendly infantry elements near Katum, Republic of Vietnam. Five helicopters from his unit conducted a daring emergency night evacuation that extracted the friendly forces who were in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force. The friendly forces were pinned down by enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire near Katum and were on the verge of being overrun. Displaying a great deal of courage, the flight ignored the intense volume of enemy fire and landed in the hostile area. Upon touchdown, the friendly troops immediately began loading their dead and wounded men aboard the ships, then began boarding themselves. After all of the troops were aboard the ships, the flight remained on the ground while the crew chiefs and gunners searched out the area to make sure that no friendly soldiers were left behind. Through his courage and personal bravery, he was instrumental in the successful completion of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.