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 Major John A. Scattergood for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Major Scattergood distinguished himself by heroic actions on 4 April 1966 while serving as the Artillery Liaison Officer on a search and destroy operation near Trung Lap, Republic of Vietnam. At 1730 hours, the Infantry battalion command group and heavy mortar platoon encountered an undetermined number of Viet Cong and immediately engaged them in a heavy fire fight. During the action, an explosion occurred in a mortar carrier which resulted in several American troops being injured and seriously burned, but the intensity of the hostile fire prevented their treatment and evacuation. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Scattergood, then Captain Scattergood, requested that the command and control helicopter in which he was flying be flown directly above the enemy area in order to permit close adjustment of artillery on the hostile position. With extraordinary coolness and professional competence, despite the withering fire directed at the aircraft from the ground, Major Scattergood adjusted a devastating pattern of artillery fire upon the enemy. Although the aircraft sustained three direct hits, he continued to adjust the artillery barrage with deadly accuracy, causing the enemy to break contact with the beleaguered unit and scatter in confusion. As the enemy withdrew, Major Scattergood observed a second large Viet Cong force within a few minutes striking distance of the Infantry position. Again ignoring the extreme risk to his life, Major Scattergood requested that the damaged helicopter fly over the enemy force to again permit adjustment of artillery fire on their position. As the aircraft arrived over the hostile force and again became the target of intense fire, Major Scattergood requested and adjusted artillery fire from three separate howitzer batteries simultaneously, directing in a matter of minutes, over 600 rounds upon the Viet Cong. The devastating accuracy and thoroughness of his artillery support resulted in 20 Viet Cong killed by body count, 25 additional, probable Viet Cong killed, and numerous enemy wounded, and again caused the enemy to retreat, enabling the infantry unit to complete its mission with no further loss of life or equipment. His gallantry in action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.