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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Charles J. Oram, Transportation Corps, United States Army, Company A, 15th Transportation Battalion for exceptional heroism while participating in aerial flight. Major Oram distinguished himself by heroism in action on 17 January 1967, during an aerial recovery of a downed CH-47 helicopter from an enemy surrounded area in the An Lao Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Although the area had been the scene of intense enemy activity throughout the day, Major Oram voluntarily assumed the dangerous mission. After assessing the damage, he determined temporary repairs could be effected using parts from another CH-47 aircraft. Upon obtaining the necessary parts, he returned to the site, completed the installation, then began an eight minute hover test to insure the adequacy of the repairs. Realizing that the recovery effort was to be terminated, a concealed enemy force diverted intense small arms and automatic weapons fire into the site. Under heavy fire, Major Oram calmly began maneuvering the aircraft from the area, and realizing that failure of the temporary repairs at a high altitude would result in a crash, he piloted the helicopter at low level through the dangerous An Lao Valley to a secure landing zone. His display of personal bravery and professional competence under fire stands in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.