AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Edward C. Robinson for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Robinson distinguished himself by heroic action on 14 November 1965 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Captain Robinson was serving as Aircraft Commander of a troop transport helicopter which was part of a two-ship formation airlifting reinforcements into an unsecure are LZX-Ray in the Ia_Drang Valley where a battle was in progress between units of the United States Army and the Communist Viet Cong. When one of the aircraft was forced down due to enemy ground fire, Captain Robinson, without hesitation nor thought of personal danger, flew his aircraft into a position to enable the downed aircraft crew and its sensitive equipment to be placed aboard his aircraft, thereby avoiding imminent capture by the enemy. He also elected to remain exposed on the ground while a critically wounded infantryman was placed on board. Through these actions, Captain Robinson demonstrated outstanding flying ability, sound judgment and devotion to duty. His intrepid courage and determination under fire resulted in the successful rescue of four soldiers, the denial of the downed aircraft's armament and radios to the enemy and the evacuation under fire of a critically wounded infantryman. Captain Robinson's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.