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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Marida R. Purvis, Captain, Transportation Corps, United States Army, Company A 1st Aviation Battalion, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 5 February 1966 for heroism while participating in aerial flight: 0n this date, Captain Purvis was serving as fire team leader of a light armed helicopter fire team. He was assigned the mission of escorting a medical evacuation helicopter to a battle area near Cu Chi. Captain Purvis skillfully lead his fire team, positioning it to return the heavy Viet Cong fire which was being received by the medical evacuation ship on its second landing in the forward landing zone. As the medical evacuation aircraft sat on the ground, Captain Purvis poured a continuous stream of fire on the Viet Cong positions and flew his aircraft in full view of the insurgents in order to draw fire away from the medical ship. Although his wingman’s aircraft was hit several times and the gunner wounded, his fire team remained in the area to provide cover until the medical evacuation helicopter had safely departed. Captain Purvis’ actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.