AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1H

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Patten, Infantry, United States Army who distinguished himself while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty from 28 August 1969 to 6 September 1969 while serving in a dual capacity as Assistant Division Chemical Officer and Commanding Officer, 242d Chemical Detachment. During this period, Captain Patten flew hazardous personnel detector missions daily. On 28 August, his aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire, damaging the tail rotor and FM communications system. Undaunted, he directed the aircraft in low passes over the area, marking the target and directing small arms fire. On 5 September, he volunteered the personnel detector team to assist in locating enemy personnel who had broken contact with friendly troops. His confidence and determination enabled the team to fix the location of the insurgents and allow supporting artillery and gunships to accurately engage and kill a large number of them. Captain Patten's outstanding devotion to duty, proven leadership and display of courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to William J. Patten, Captain, 101st Abn Div (Ambl) (WAB1AA) for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 April 1970. Captain Patten distinguished himself while serving as mission officer for a CS chemical agent drop on an enemy force in conjunction with a combat assault in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. Following preparatory air strikes, and prior to the insertion of combat troops, aircraft in the area received intense hostile fire. Captain Patten immediately altered the mission plan and engaged the enemy locations which threatened the troop insertion. Despite automatic weapons fire, he directed a low-level pass and concentrated the drop on the enemy locations, providing a lengthy suppression· of hostile fire. Rearming and returning to the target area, he again braved hostile fire to accurately drop the CS munitions. His actions contributed immeasurably to the successful insertion of a friendly force of battalion size. Captain Patten's personal bravery 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.