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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Richard T. Price, Specialist Four E4, United States Army, 116th CCbt Avc Bn, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 5 January 1968, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Specialist Price distinguished himself by valorous actions while serving as a crew member on a UH-1D helicopter. While in support of elements of the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, five helicopters conducted a daring emergency night evacuation that extracted the besieged infantry elements who were in heavy contact with an enemy force of superior numbers. In an enemy infested area, east of Katum, the friendly forces had been under intense mortar and heavy automatic weapons fire, with the enemy intent on overrunning the outnumbered American positions. Fully cognizant of the desperate infantry situation, the flight braved a landing into the darkness-covered area to extract the trapped infantry. Employing a great degree of professional skill and almost insurmountable courage, they were able to successfully land. The dead and wounded were loaded upon the helicopters. 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.