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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Kent F. Paxton, Warrant Officer W1, United States Army, 197th Aviation Company for heroism while participating in aerial flight: Warrant Officer Paxton distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 26 June 1965 while serving as pilot and aircraft commander of an armed helicopter on a rescue mission in War Zone D, Republic of Vietnam. His fire team was instructed to escort an unarmed Vietnamese helicopter and assist in an attempt to rescue a small unit which was surrounded by Viet Cong. Warrant Officer Paxton was flying in a flight of three aircraft with the mission of returning any fire received by the two other ships. Having successfully escorted the unarmed helicopter into a jungle clearing, he began to fly a protective orbit. Suddenly the Viet Cong opened fire with deadly aim and several rounds passed through Warrant Officer Paxton's aircraft, painfully wounding him and disabling his radios. Realizing that the unarmed aircraft as well as his fire team leader would soon fly over the antiaircraft positions, Warrant Office Paxton, unable to make radio contact, elected to return and mark the enemy positions. Without regard for his personal safety, he again flew over the hostile positions firing rockets and throwing a smoke grenade. Again he received hits which further damaged and partially disabled his helicopter. Then Warrant Officer Paxton attacked the target a third time, and only when he saw the other aircraft turning away from the deadly hostile fire did he cease fire and relinquish control of the helicopter to his co-pilot to receive treatment for his wounds. The gallant actions of Warrant Officer Paxton were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
,br> 2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Kent F. Paxton, Chief Warrant Officer W2, United States Army, 334th Armed Helicopter Company, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Paxton distinguished himself on 15 February 1967 while serving as aircraft commander aboard the .50 caliber ship on a Fire Fly mission in the Delta of Vietnam. The team arrived on station during the evening hours to find that a major battle had taken place during the day and that two suspected battalions of Viet Cong had withdrawn to an area bounded on three sides by rivers. It was suspected that the Viet Cong would try to retreat later that night using the rivers as an avenue of escape. Chief Warrant Officer Paxton was responsible for maneuvering his heavily laden ship through the continuous fire and putting his gunner in a position to fire the big .50 caliber machine gun. He brought the ship down very low many times in order to gain accuracy and better visibility in the adverse weather conditions. The .50 caliber ship was responsible for sinking many sampans and putting suppressive fire into the bunkers which constantly threatened the other two ships. His constant observation of the activities enabled the team to determine at the end of the night that they had decisively turned the tide and prevented the enemy from successfully withdrawing. Through his constant courage and sound judgment he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. 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.