AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of the second Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Howard Michael Reid, United States Naval Reserve for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 12 July 1971 while serving as the Fire Team Leader of a light helicopter attack fire team assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE. Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid was scrambled to aid a Vietnamese Navy force under attack by Viet Cong armed with small arms, automatic weapons and rockets. Immediately upon arrival at the ambush site, he delivered a highly effective rocket strike and directed fire from the rest of the fire team to suppress the high volume of enemy fire. When informed that one Vietnamese sailor was critically injured and would die without immediate medical aid, Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid sought the service of a medical evacuation helicopter. Learning that it would not be available until it was too late, he elected to attempt the evacuation himself, even though to do so would be placing himself and the lives of his crew in jeopardy. Despite his under-powered helicopter, Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid expertly approached and landed upon the small deck of a Medium Landing Craft, picked up the wounded man and effected the dangerous take-off. He immediately flew the man to the nearest medical facility in time to save his life. His actions were responsible for allowing the boats to escape enemy's fire and for saving at least one Vietnamese sailor's life. His efforts were a direct contribution to the United States Navy's effort in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid's devotion to duty, courage under fire and exemplary professionalism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Howard Michael Reid, United States Naval Reserve for heroism while participating in aerial flight as the Fire Team Leader of a helicopter gunship fire team in Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 July 1971. While providing close aerial cover for a SEAL operation, Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid's wing aircraft was damaged by ground fire from enemy personnel carrying automatic weapons. Disregarding the dangers of confronting the enemy at low altitudes and close range, he quickly engaged the enemy positions to allow his damaged wing ship to escape to a safer distance. When it was learned that his trail ship would have to make a precautionary landing, Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid elected to remain on the scene as a single gunship to provide much needed cover for the friendly elements despite realizing the extreme danger of a single ship operating without cover. During the course of the battle, the SEAL's received heavy small arms fire from a nearby treeline. Although his aircraft was unable to deliver rockets, an important part of a gunship's fire power, he continually made machine gun attacks against the enemy positions to suppress the heavy fire directed at himself and the SEAL's. Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid's quick reactions, accurate direction of gunfire and bravery under fire prevented the loss of his wing aircraft and injury to ground personnel. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (junior grade) Howard Michael Reid, United States Naval Reserve for heroism while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 August 1971. As Fire Team Leader of a light helicopter fire team assigned to Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE, Detachment SEVEN, Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid scrambled as a single gunship to aid two United States Navy helicopters which had been forced down in an enemy infested area along the eastern coast of Vietnam. After sighting one of the aircraft on a sandbar, he immediately headed to where the other helicopter had been shot down. Arriving overhead, all members of the downed crew were found swimming within two hundred meters of the shoreline occupied by a large number of enemy troops. He directed his crew to drop a life jacket to one member of the crew who appeared to be badly injured. After attempting to suppress the intense enemy fire, Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid realized the extreme danger to the swimming men and, since immediate means of pick up were unavailable, elected to pick the men up and place himself and his crew in extreme personal danger. With no rescue equipment, it was necessary for him to hover over the men with his skids in the water to allow them to board. He refused to depart the area until assured all of the downed crew were safely aboard. Lieutenant (junior grade) Reid's quick thinking and positive reactions were directly responsible for saving five American lives. His courage under fire, exemplary professionalism and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.