AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UC-123

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Robert Rand for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 Flight Engineer near My Tho, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 April 1968. On that date, Sergeant Rand participated in a low-level defoliation mission flown against a heavily defended hostile rocket base and supply area. When his aircraft received intense ground fire while making two passes through the target area, Sergeant Rand, with complete disregard for his personal safety, quickly raised out of his armored crew position in order to accurately evaluate battle damage to his aircraft and to mark the sources of ground fire with smoke grenades. His coolness under fire greatly assisted the crew in their decision to stay on target and successfully complete this vital mission. The professional. competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Rand reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Robert Rand for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 flight Engineer near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 May 1968. On that date, Sergeant Rand was flying a number three in a three ship formation mission against a heavily defended mountain road target. Intense hostile ground fire caused the number two aircraft to sustain an engine failure, while at a perilously low altitude. Sergeant Rand's aircraft was maneuvered to fly under the disabled aircraft's left wing and while in position, Sergeant Rand exposed himself to the hostile fire and provided an immediate battle assessment for both aircraft. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty, (displayed by) Sergeant Rand has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Sergeant Robert Rand for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UC-123 Flight Engineer near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, on 10 September 1968. On that date, Sergeant Rand flew an unarmed aircraft on a low-level defoliation mission against a heavily defended hostile infiltration route and base camp. Despite severe ground fire which raked his aircraft, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Rand raised out of his armored crew position in order to mark ground positions with smoke grenades for subsequent fighter strikes. Due in great measure to his selfless efforts, the positions were neutralized and the mission was an outstanding success. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Rand reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.