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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Donald L. Rawlinson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Rawlinson distinguished himself on 22 March 1967 while serving as Pilot of a UH-1B helicopter which was resupplying Companies A and B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry who had engaged the North Vietnamese Army near the Cambodian border. Arriving at the companies' positions, it was discovered that the landing zone had not been completed, and the supplies would have to be lowered to the ground by rope. Although intense enemy sniper fire was directed at the aircraft, Warrant Officer Rawlinson hovered the helicopter at tree-top level while the supplies were lowered to the ground. When the landing zone was completed, he made several landings, despite heavy enemy fire, to evacuate the wounded infantrymen. Through his untiring efforts all the casualties were evacuated and the companies resupplied. Warrant Officer Rawlinson's heroic actions and flying skill are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.