AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert B. Robeson for heroism while participating in aerial flight , evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Robeson distinguished himself while serving as a pilot aboard a helicopter ambulance during the period 20 August 1969 through 22 August 1969 near Hiep Duc. During this period, Captain Robeson flew forty-two medical evacuation missions at the scene of intense fighting between allied and enemy forces. Braving the intense enemy machine-gun barrage, which included rocket propelled grenades and mortar fire, the Captain evacuated over one hundred and fifty allied battlefield casualties. On numerous occasions he flew his helicopter into fire swept landing zones without supporting helicopter gunship cover fire in order to evacuate seriously wounded soldiers to medical aid facilities. Although his helicopter was often raked with enemy fire as he entered the various landing zones, he remained on station until all the wounded were safely loaded aboard. Throughout the period, his determined actions inspired those who witnessed his efforts and were immeasurable in the successful evacuation of the numerous allied casualties. Captain Robeson's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert B. Robeson for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Robeson distinguished himself while piloting a helicopter ambulance during a rescue mission near Landing Zone Center fifty miles southwest of Da Nang. Friendly elements engaged in heavy fighting in the area with an enemy force had sustained four critically wounded casualties. When Captain Robeson arrived over the conflict area in his evacuation aircraft, friendly helicopter gunships were still placing concentrated suppressive fire on the enemy positions. The smoke of exploding white phosphorus rockets fired by the gunships so obscured the position of the wounded that Captain Robeson had to abort his first approach into the emergency pick-up site. The friendly troops had exhausted their supply of colored smoke canisters so that the position of the wounded could not be precisely marked. Captain Robeson made a low-level pass over the battlefield under heavy enemy fire and dropped smoke canisters to the friendly troops. With the position of the wounded clearly marked with smoke, Captain Robeson made a second, successful approach into the pick-up site and safely boarded all the wounded. As Captain Robeson lifted off from the battlefield, enemy fire ripped through his air ambulance, seriously damaging the engine and severing important navigational controls. Although hampered by a severe loss of engine power and aircraft maneuverability, Captain Robeson maintained control of his crippled helicopter and skillfully flew it to a secure area where he made a safe emergency landing. Captain Robeson's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.