AWARDED DFC: 3
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 Martin C. Pickens, 1 Lt, Trp C, 2d Sqdn (Ambl), 17th Cav, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Pickens distinguished himself on 16 December 1970 while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H helicopter during a visual reconnaissance mission in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Pickens was providing cover for an OH-6A light observation helicopter when it came under enemy fire and reported that it was going down due to engine failure. Reacting immediately, Lieutenant Pickens began searching for the downed helicopter where it had made ground contact in high elephant grass. Spotting smoke, he made a rapid descent and approach into the area, and, exposing himself to enemy fire, hovered his aircraft until the downed crew was on board. As Lieutenant Pickens departed, his aircraft began taking heavy automatic weapons fire. Making a quick evasive maneuver, he piloted the aircraft out of danger. First Lieutenant Pickens’ 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Martin C. Pickens, 1 Lt, Trp C, 2d Sqdn (Ambl), 17th Cav, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in Laos. First Lieutenant Pickens distinguished himself on 15 February 1971 while serving as pilot of a command and control helicopter during a reconnaissance mission in Laos. When Lieutenant Pickens received an emergency call to rescue two Air Force pilots who had ejected disabled jet aircraft, he immediately proceeded to the crash area and prepared to extract them. As he descended toward the extraction site Lieutenant Pickens’ aircraft came under intense antiaircraft fire. Reacting quickly he expertly maneuvered his aircraft out of range of the enemy guns. He then directed air strikes onto the enemy positions enabling the downed pilots to move to a safe position for extraction. His efforts were instrumental in saving the lives of the two downed aviators. First Lieutenant Pickens’ 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Martin C. Pickens, CPT, Trp C, 2d Sqdn (Ambl), 17th Cav, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Pickens distinguished himself on 12 February 1971 while serving as pilot of a UH-1H command and control helicopter during the rescue of two helicopter pilots in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Upon receiving a request to extract two downed pilots, Captain Pickens immediately flew to their location. As he approached their position, he received intense enemy fire from an unknown size enemy force surrounding the pilots. Despite the intense fire he skillfully landed amidst tall grass and trees and safely extracted the beleaguered pilots. Captain Pickens’ 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.