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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David L. Rainey for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 February 1969. Lieutenant Rainey distinguished himself while serving as a Pilot during a combat assault at Landing Zone Blitz, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Rainey was alerted by the command and control helicopter that an emergency condition existed at the landing zone. The first aircraft to land had been destroyed by a command detonated mine, and the mine had wounded many of the personnel on board. The other helicopters in the combat assault were instructed not to land and were withdrawn to orbit the area. Lieutenant Rainey, with his troops still on board, noted the stricken ship and courageously started into the landing zone. After finding a safe place to land, he dispatched the troops and then carefully hovered his aircraft over the mined landing zone to extract the wounded personnel. When all the casualties were on board, the aircraft departed the area and quickly flew to the nearest medical facility. Lieutenant Rainey's 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.