AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in awarding Warrant Officer WO1 Thomas J. Morley, Jr., United States Army 118th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopters), 24 August 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Morley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during a mission to extract the crew of a downed aircraft in an area of recent enemy activity. Arriving at the scene, he immediately began making low orbits to reconnoiter the area for possible landing sites and enemy locations. Noticing the survivors in contact with an enemy force, he directed a gunship attack while he himself made three bold attempts to enter the contested area to effect a rescue. Finding the area too small for his aircraft, he called for a smaller rescue helicopter and then continued to fly low orbits to protect the rescue ship and to direct effective suppressive fire on the enemy positions. Just as the medivac craft completed its rescue of two survivors, the enemy unleashed a vicious attack and forced the rescue ship to land nearby. Bravely landing beside the downed medivac helicopter, Warrant Officer Morley took the wounded aboard and quickly flew them to Long Binh. Voluntarily returning to the contact area, he accurately marked the crash site and again flew low orbits to distract enemy fire as a second medivac ship completed the rescue of the remaining two crewmen. Through his outstanding flying ability and undaunted personal courage, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the rescue 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.