AWARDED DFC: 2
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 Leslie L. Rayburn, CPT, 120th AHC (WAYBAA A), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 5 June 1972 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Rayburn, distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of a helicopter on a resupply mission to a besieged Army of Vietnam firebase. Knowing full well that the position was surrounded by heavy enemy concentrations, Captain Rayburn briefed the flight which consisted of one American helicopter and three Vietnamese Air Force helicopters. Realizing the possibilities of communication difficulties he kept in constant contact with his allied counterparts throughout the mission. As the aircraft began final approach he monitored the conduct of the flight as it came under intense enemy fires. Once on the ground Captain Rayburn directed the unloading of the Vietnamese Air Force aircraft amid the incoming mortar rounds and confusion on the part of the ground troops. Upon departure all aircraft again came under withering enemy fires and he directed the fires from the Vietnamese Air Force gunships as well as insisting the aircraft which had been hit by enemy fires remain in the flight. His calm manner and professional approach contributed greatly in the success of the mission. Captain Rayburn’s courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, bis unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Leslie L. Rayburn, CPT, 120th AHC (WAYBAA), Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 1 July 1972 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Rayburn, distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of a helicopter on an extraction of a downed pilot within the borders of Cambodia. Monitoring a mayday call on guard, he received a release from his own mission and proceeded to the vicinity of the downed pilot. The aircraft on station assisted in vectoring him to the man on the ground. The extraction was completed and the aircraft lifted from the pickup zone in search of a second pilot who was located nearby. While searching for his location, the aircraft received ground to air fire and one crewman was wounded. Captain Rayburn continued the search for the second pilot. At this time a second aircraft spotted the man on the ground and Captain Rayburn flew low level from the area to the hospital. His voluntary actions in the face of known intense enemy activity and heavy antiaircraft fire behind enemy lines resulted in the recovery of a downed pilot. Captain Rayburn's 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.