AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Gerald E. Royals for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Royals distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 22 October to 23 October 1966 while serving as Recovery Officer of a helicopter team while evacuating downed helicopters near Cu Chi. Disregarding Viet Cong ground fire, he flew slowly over the crash sites, at low level, to select landing zones and the safest approach paths to the crippled aircraft for the evacuation crews. AT times, Major Royals skillfully maneuvered his own helicopter into sites tightly restricted by trees or hovered, motionlessly, where landing was impossible. Loading and unloading procedures demanded sensitive handling of the aircraft controls. His close, personal supervision of the pickups, sometimes made from rice paddies where the crews were forced to work in waist deep mud and water, enabled his men to use the most efficient techniques and reduce the rigging time. Major Royals' exacting air discipline and sound judgment gave his crew the guidance to perform repeated, successful missions without further damage to aircraft or injury to themselves. Major Royals' 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 Lieutenant Colonel Gerald E. Royals for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Lieutenant Colonel Royals distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving as Pilot of a cargo helicopter on long and difficult missions in support of combined allied operations in Cambodia. Upon determining that the 147th Aviation Company was short of pilots and heavily committed, Lieutenant Colonel Royals volunteered his services as an aviator and flew six days during the period, amassing 60 total hours while still carrying out his primary mission as Commanding Officer, 765th Transportation Battalion. During the period, his outstanding knowledge of aerial operations contributed to the completion of assigned missions in support of Army units, and the spotting and eventual engagement by friendly forces of two enemy elements. Lieutenant Colonel Royals' outstanding flying ability and alert devotion to the overall mission were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.