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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Michael A Rocco for heroism while participating in aerial flight as AH-1W Attack Helicopter Commander and Division Leader, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force in Southeast Asia on 30 and 31 January 1991. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and an uncertain tactical situation, Captain Rocco boldly executed missions throughout the battle for the town of AL Khafji. He repeatedly flew 5 kilometers beyond friendly lines and into the enemy-occupied town to silence Iraqi artillery firing on Coalition forces who were recovering encircled friendly forces and recapturing the town. Through Captain Rocco's outstanding leadership, the flight emerged unscathed and was credited with blunting a brigade-sized armor attack while providing allied forces with close-in-fire support. The flight destroyed 13 armored personal carriers, 3 tanks, 2 tracked vehicles, 3 supply trucks, and key enemy positions in AL Khafji, while killing 32 soldiers and capturing 9 enemy prisoners of war. In 2 days of battle involving 10 continuous hours of combat flight, Captain Rocco's superb airmanship, unfaltering bravery, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.