AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  OH-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Harold R. Olson, Chief Warrant Officer, United States Army, Trp B, 7/17th Air Cav, Republic of Vietnam for action dated 18 April 1968. For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Olson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting an OH-6A helicopter on a reconnaissance mission west of Kontum. Another OH-6A was downed by enemy fire, and it could not be determined immediately whether or not the crew had escaped the flaming wreckage. After continued air strikes and rocket runs, Chief Warrant Officer Olson flew through enemy fire, discovered the downed crew and pinpointed their location for the ground rescue element. Ignoring the steadily increasing hostile fire, he remained on location until fire from an enemy automatic weapon wounded the aircraft commander and severely damaged the aircraft. At this time, Chief Warrant Officer Olson flew to Polei Klong with the wounded pilot. His courage and flying skill contributed immeasurably to the successful rescue of the downed crew. 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.