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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer John R. Nielsen for heroism while participating in aerial flight. On 30 June 1966, Warrant Officer Nielsen distinguished himself by heroism in action while serving as Aircraft Commander on a low-level armed helicopter mission attempting to locate hostile small arms and automatic weapons positions near Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. While flying over a trail, Warrant Officer Nielsen's aircraft received intense hostile automatic weapons fire. Without hesitation, he maneuvered into a 180 degree turn and engaged the target with accurate suppressive machine gun fire. While drawing direct fire, Warrant Officer Nielsen lowered his altitude to tree top level and began a series of evasive and skillful pedal turns at 30-40 knots to enable his door gunners to strafe the enemy positions. By his courage, determination and skillful flying ability he provided close fire support until relief gunships had arrived. Warrant officer Nielsen's action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.