AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6 (Loach)

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Pearcy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 December 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam while on a screening mission for an armored cavalry unit near the village of Vihn Phuc. Although receiving sniper fire on every pass over the village, he voluntarily exposed himself numerous times to locate and mark the exact enemy location for the ground element. Suddenly his aircraft was struck by intense enemy automatic weapons fire which ruptured both fuel cells, ignited a smoke grenade in his aircraft and seriously wounded his door gunner. Although subjected to intense enemy fire and being blinded by smoke, Warrant Officer Pearcy, through his outstanding skill and professionalism, maneuvered his aircraft as near as possible to the friendly element. After being forced to land, he helped to evacuate the seriously wounded door gunner and establish a defensive perimeter around the disabled aircraft which they maintained until relieved by the supporting unit. Warrant Officer Pearcy's heroic actions and avid devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

2.) Warrant Officer Pearcy, United States Army, F Troop, 8th Cavalry is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Pearcy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 March 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with C Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry. On that date, Warrant Officer Pearcy was assigned the mission of flying a rescue mission for a gunship that had been shot down. He quickly prepared his ship for the rescue mission and was enroute to the crash site within one minute. As the rescue team approached the area of the mishap, Warrant Officer Pearcy quickly scanned the terrain below and was the first to sight the partially hidden wreckage of the gunship. Undaunted by the fact that the landing zone was in an insecure area and that the injured crew members were receiving sporadic sniper fire, Warrant Officer Pearcy volunteered to take his helicopter down to extract the wounded men. Noticing that the soft, swamp-like ground would not support the weight of the aircraft, he maintained the helicopter at a low hover while the rescue squad dismounted. When the injured crew was ready for extraction, Warrant Officer Pearcy unhesitatingly guided the aircraft as close as possible to the injured men. In performing this valiant act, he was exposed to sniper fire and the possible explosion of the burning aircraft. Due to his courage, devotion to duty, and prompt action, the lives of the injured crew were saved. Warrant Officer Pearcy's valiant actions are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

3.) Captain Pearcy is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Pearcy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1971 while serving as Aviation Section Commander with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 198th Infantry Brigade. On that date, Captain Pearcy was flying a light observation helicopter in support of a friendly ground unit at Hill 76 while it was under attack by a large enemy force. Despite darkness and highly adverse weather conditions, Captain Pearcy skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to land on the hilltop position despite the abundance of unexploded ordnance littering the area in order to insert urgently needed personnel on the landing zone. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained on station on the ground in order to provide vitally needed communications with the ground element's higher command. Despite the danger involved, captain Pearcy repeatedly braved the possibility of enemy attack in order to evacuate several wounded personnel and resupply the base with strategic ordnance. Displaying outstanding flying skill, he remained in the area of contact throughout the remainder of the skirmish, completing several extremely dangerous landings with the aid of one flashlight in complete darkness. Through his timely and courageous actions, Captain Percy was instrumental in saving the lives of several wounded comrades and thwarting the determined enemy's plans. His personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23 Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

4.) Captain Pearcy is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Pearcy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 April 1971 while serving as a Night Observation Helicopter Pilot with Headquarters and Headquarter Company, 98 Infantry Brigade. On that date, while flying security for a convoy from Tra Bong to Chu Lai, he constantly displayed outstanding flying skills and personal courage. Through his timely acts and disregard for his own personal safety he flew at very low levels, where he detected and helped destroy an enemy position. He braved an extremely hazardous situation and medically evacuated two critically wounded fellow soldiers and this action undoubtedly saved the lives of these two men. He returned in total darkness and flew over the convoy as cover for the remainder of the mission. Captain Pearcy then made a night extraction of two engineers from Observation Post George. This operation was extremely dangerous due to heavy ground fog and once again he displayed his outstanding ability as he safely extracted the two men. Captain Pearcy's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23 Infantry Division, and the United States Army.