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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer 1 Francis T. Simmons, 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. These men distinguished themselves by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting helicopter gunships involved in a search and destroy mission 20 nautical miles northeast of Kontum. Their mission was to engage an enemy unit that had been harassing an observation post with mortar fire for the past month. While the helicopters reconnoitered the area, they spotted a bunker complex on a ridge line overlooking a valley. These men were piloting the team gunships and began placing highly accurate aerial weapons fire into the bunker complex while their crews gave them lateral cover with the machine guns. The helicopters had drawn heavy small arms fire and an air strike was called in. After the tactical air strike had been completed, a large bunker complex had been exposed and again they bravely attacked the complex. This time the aircraft had taken considerable small arms fire but, undaunted, they continued the attack until there was only token resistance. Their bravery and determination contributed greatly to the success of the mission. Their expert flying ability was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.