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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer 1 Millard C. Rushing for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Rushing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed UH-1C helicopter near Song Be. Covering a three ship extraction of a Special Forces reconnaissance team in heavy contact with the enemy, he located the enemy positions and immediately delivered accurate suppressive fire with his helicopter machine guns, forcing the aggressors to withdraw and allowing a sling extraction of two team members. As the second rescue ship approached the pick-up point, the command and control Pilot warned that an enemy truck with machine guns was approaching. Fully aware of the enemy's enormous fire power, he engaged the vehicle through a barrage of hostile fire, obliterating their target and destroying the enemy threat. With all available speed, he returned to the pick-up zone to provide cover until the last extraction was made. As the third and last helicopter rose from the hotly contested area, air bursts were received from an enemy anti-aircraft gun. Warrant Officer Rushing made a firing run on the position, neutralizing it. His actions 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 Chief Warrant Officer Millard C. Rushing for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Chief Warrant Officer Rushing distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of an armed helicopter gunship in support of Special Forces reconnaissance teams near Dau Tieng. A reconnaissance team came into contact with the enemy, and his primary fire team was scrambled to furnish close fire support for the team. Arriving on station, the team reported receiving fire, whereupon they rolled in and laid suppressive fire into the hostile area. Due to his high degree of professional skill Chief Warrant Officer Rushing was able to engage all hostile areas on his firing runs. Ammunition became quite critical and a replacement fire team was called. Having only M-60 ammunition left, he remained on station for ten more minutes holding the hostile forces from the team until the relief team arrived. His team began withdrawing, but the lead gunship was downed due to heavy barrage of enemy fire. The team called for aid while he executed precariously low passes and continued to hold the enemy at bay until the four injured crew members were safely extracted and evacuated to a hospital by lift helicopter. Due to his excellent coordination of the rescue operation and his precise maneuvering of his aircraft, he played a vital part in the recovery of the four crew members and the six members of the reconnaissance team. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.