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

Citation:  1.) The President, First Lieutenant DANIEL J. O'BRIEN has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. First Lieutenant Daniel J. O'Brien distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement and heroism while participating in aerial flight on 2 February 1952. While performing Rescue coverage for United Nation's airmen, a distress call was received from a flight of aircraft that one of their flight had made a forced landing on the beach in enemy held territory. Lieutenant O'Brien proceed to the downed aircraft escorting a Rescue helicopter to pick up the downed pilot. Upon arriving at the poison of the downed pilot, both the aircraft were subjected to enemy small arms fire. After the pilot had been rescued, it was evident that he would have to be transferred to the Rescue SA-16 and rushed to a hospital due to a severed leg. The SA-16 landing in ice-filled waters, behind enemy lines, at dusk. The amphibian was beached on a friendly island and the transfer was effected. During the take-off, considerable ice was picked up, causing all instruments except the magnet compass to become inoperative. A United Nations night fighter escorted the SA-16 on the return flight to a friendly Air Base, relaying altitude and airspeed to Lieutenant O'Brien. Through his ability, heroism, and desire to serve the United Nations cause, Lieutenant O'Brien has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.