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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Terry J. Slater, Captain, Transportation Corps, United States Army, Troop C, 16th Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 22 June 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Slater distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the maintenance platoon leader of Troop C, 16th Air Cavalry. The troop was in heavy contact with an enemy force of unknown size near the U Minh Forest, when a light observation helicopter was downed by a heavy barrage of enemy fire. Captain Slater, supporting the troop from a nearby airfield and upon receiving notification of the downed aircraft, immediately departed for the area of contact. After arriving, he contacted the command and control aircraft and volunteered to land at the crash site and extract the downed aircraft. He landed his aircraft next to the downed helicopter, although receiving several rounds of small arms fire during the approach. Once on the ground, he personally prepared the downed aircraft for extraction from the hostile area. Upon departing the crash site, he again came under enemy fire, but unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he continued his rescue operation. His actions resulted in the saving of an aircraft and maintaining a high maintenance availability for his unit. 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.