AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William Allen Northcutt, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 26 January 1967, Captain Northcutt launched as Wingman in a section of two F-4 Phantom Aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a Marine reconnaissance patrol which was surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force northwest of Khe Sanh. Two Marine helicopters had been shot down by enemy ground fire in the area and another had crashed after colliding with trees while attempting to land near the beleaguered team. Arriving over the designated area, he was briefed on the friendly and enemy situation by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) and unhesitatingly commenced his attack, despite adverse weather conditions. Although his aircraft immediately came under intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Northcutt fearlessly continued his attack and delivered all his ordnance with unerring accuracy on the hostile positions. His superb airmanship and determined efforts were an inspiration to all who served with him and were instrumental in the subsequent safe extraction of the besieged Marines. Captain Northcutt's courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.