AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  C-123

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Arthur W. Rhyne for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 Flight Engineer near Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 12 March 1967. On that date, Sergeant Rhyne was airlifting seriously wounded friendly troops to Da Nang Air Base when the aircraft’s navigational aid system began to operate erratically. Sergeant Rhyne demonstrated his superior skill and knowledge of the aircraft systems by locating and correcting the malfunction. While making a ground controlled approach, his aircraft received intense ground fire. Communications with crew members in the rear of the aircraft indicated that two passengers had been wounded by the ground fire. Sergeant Rhyne immediately began to administer first aid and continued to function in an exemplary manner for the duration of the flight. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Rhyne reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.