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 Specialist Four Arthur F. Bonitz, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Bonitz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 March 1969 while serving as Crew Chief with the 247th Medical Detachment during a Medevac Mission during a combat operation. Specialist Bonitz was instrumental in the successful completion of four medical evacuations for various elements of the 9th Infantry Division which was engaged in heavy action with a large size Viet Cong force. On the first pickup, Specialist Bonitz left the Dustoff aircraft during heavy enemy fire and gathered the wounded onto litters and brought them back to the aircraft. Three more times the craft made pickups and, each time, Specialist Bonitz, disregarding his own safety, gathered the wounded and brought them to the aircraft. Then he helped administer first aid to the wounded. Specialist Bonitz' sound judgment and courage were instrumental in the success of the operation. Specialist Four Bonitz' outstanding initiative and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.