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 Lieutenant Commander Michael J. Retz for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three engaged in armed conflict against Communist North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 December 1968. As leader of a Navy light helicopter fire team, Lieutenant Commander Retz significantly aided in the defense of an Army of the Republic of Vietnam outpost which was under attack from three sides by a ground force of 600 enemy soldiers. Although operating at night in an unfamiliar area, he led his fire team directly to the scene of action, determined the direction of the main thrust of the enemy and placed an extremely accurate attack on the advancing unit. His rockets fatally wounded six members of the enemy's lead element. The accurate and intense fire of the light fire team sufficiently disrupted the initial charge which enabled the outpost personnel to re-form their defenses. In the face of extremely heavy automatic weapons fire which included fifty caliber, the fire team scored a direct hit on a B-40 rocket cache resulting in a large secondary explosion, thus denying the enemy valuable ordnance. Twice returning to home base to rearm, Lieutenant Commander Retz continued to press the attack until the battle area was secure. The estimate for the entire battle indicated enemy losses at seventy-five killed. Lieutenant Commander Retz's selfless devotion to duty, courage under fire, unfailing leadership and outstanding professional airmanship contributed significantly to the repulsion of the enemy ground force and were instrumental in minimizing the casualties inflicted upon the friendly outpost. Lieutenant Commander Retz's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.