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 Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Edward J. Moriarty for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 March 1970. Warrant Officer Moriarty distinguished himself while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter during an emergency extraction mission in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. A long-range patrol was pinned down by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire and needed immediate extraction. Warrant Officer Moriarty volunteered to command the rescue helicopter despite the fact that inclement weather precluded air support. When he arrived in the contact area, the team was completely surrounded and running low on ammunition. While descending through the trees, the helicopter came under automatic weapons fire from a hillside and, Warrant Officer Moriarty directed suppressive fire onto the position. After bringing the helicopter into a hover just over the team, he supervised the loading and, on takeoff, again directed suppressive fire on the enemy positions. Warrant Officer Moriarty'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.