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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Daun A. Pace for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Pace distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 6 November 1965 to 5 October 1966 while serving as Aircraft Commander of helicopters in experimental combat missions. During his period of service, he placed himself over 40 times in highly dangerous and vulnerable positions in the development and perfection of an air combat technique that has been used against the Viet Cong with outstanding results. The mission required that Major Pace fly his helicopter for periods of 30 to 75 minutes over terrain heavily populated with insurgents. He had to fly slowly at altitudes easily within range of hostile weapons. Major Pace flew these missions during heavy rain and at night, completely without artificial illumination. Often, poor weather conditions forced him to fly at treetop level over hostile concentrations. He flew the missions without the use of ground troops to secure the operating zone and received fire enroute and during his tactics. Chosen for the mission because of his many hours of previous experience, he resolutely ignored the dangers for the success of the project. Major Pace's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.