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 Warrant Officer Gilbert D. Murphy for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 4 August 1968 as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Murphy distinguished himself while serving as Pilot of a UH-1C armed helicopter from D Company, 101st Assault Helicopter Battalion, involved in a combat assault in the vicinity of Ta Bat Airstrip, A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Murphy was flying in the lead aircraft of a light fire team following another fire team toward the northern sector of the landing zone to provide fire support and aerial reconnaissance for a troop-carrying aircraft. As the two fire teams neared the landing zone, the wing aircraft of the first fire team began to receive intense fifty caliber and thirty caliber machine gun fire. Warrant Officer Murphy immediately began firing hostile aircraft weapons at the enemy gun position but, in spite of his efforts, the besieged aircraft burst into flames and crashed. The enemy gunner then directed his fire toward Warrant Officer Murphy’s aircraft and succeeded in hitting it several times causing the engine to lose all power. As the Aircraft Commander began auto-rotating, Warrant Officer Murphy continued to place accurate fire on the enemy position as long as possible before assisting the Aircraft Commander with emergency procedures. The aircraft crashed into a heavily wooded area and came to rest on its left side. Warrant Officer Murphy quickly left the aircraft and, after helping the other crew members, he organized a defensive perimeter to secure the area until a rescue aircraft arrived. Warrant Officer Murphy’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.