AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-53C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Richard F. Ropski for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Flight Mechanic of a CH-53C helicopter in Southeast Asia on 19 October 1972. On that date, Sergeant Ropski was in a formation assigned to airlift a contingent of allied soldiers deep into hostile territory to a tactical objective long held by hostile forces. Despite heavy antiaircraft, small arms and automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft from all sides of the contested landing zone, Sergeant Ropski remained at his exposed position giving accurate approach instructions to the pilots and calling out ground fire. Although his aircraft sustained numerous hits from the heavy hostile fire, Sergeant Ropski willingly disregarded the safety of his own life to ensure the survival of a beleaguered allied force and to aid in the initiation of a new offensive in a vital area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ropski reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Sergeant Richard F. Ropski for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Flight Mechanic on a CH-53C helicopter in Southeast Asia on 15 March 1972. On that date, Sergeant Ropski participated in a formation of eight helicopters assigned the mission to move a large contingent of allied soldiers into an area of operations deep inside hostile territory. Despite the threat of antiaircraft fire along his route and a large number of hostile forces in the area of the landing zone Sergeant Ropski made repeated landings to off-load his troops thus making possible the start of a new allied offensive in a vital area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Ropski reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.