AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Kenneth L. Sherfey, First Lieutenant, Artillery, United States Army, 147th Aslt Spt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, 14 September 1968, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: First Lieutenant Sherfey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander aboard a CH-47 helicopter during an artillery move and resupply mission in support of infantry. On arrival at Cu Chi, the weather was marginal, but he elected to go ahead with the mission. On approach into an insecure landing zone with a sling load, the aircraft came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire and received numerous hits, yet he landed the damaged aircraft without jettisoning the sling load. The aircraft was severely damaged and had to be grounded on the spot. First Lieutenant Sherfey then volunteered to take another aircraft to complete the mission. Upon landing at another insecure landing zone, the aircraft came under enemy mortar fire, but he completed off loading successfully. At this time three more sorties had to go into this insecure field site, and he again volunteered for the mission. On the next sortie, with thirty-three soldiers aboard, the landing zone again came under mortar fire, yet he deposited the replacements. The next sortie, on which he carried artillery ammunition, was met by intense enemy fire, yet First Lieutenant Sherfey completed it in a superior professional manner. 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.