AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Barry J. Speare for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Speare distinguished himself on 14 April 1970 by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Leader of an aero-scout reconnaissance team in Bien Dien Province that resulted in a successful ground operation against a hostile force and a safe battlefield evacuation of several wounded soldiers. His light observation helicopter was hovering near the opening of a cave when it received intense automatic weapons fire. Returning the fire, heedless of his own safety, he placed his aircraft between the assaulting infantryman and the hostile force, directing them in their attack. Following the ensuing fire fight a medical evacuation helicopter was called to extract several soldiers who had been wounded. Marking the landing zone with smoke, Captain Speare, again in total disregard for his own safety, placed himself between the rescue ship and the enemy and remained with it until the wounded comrades had been safely extracted. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Barry J. Speare for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Speare distinguished himself on 5 May 1970 by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a light observation helicopter performing a visual reconnaissance near the Cambodian border. Upon discovery of an intricate enemy bunker complex, a burst of automatic weapons fire downed the helicopter which was providing cover for his ship. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, he landed near the burning aircraft and within 50 feet of an enemy bunker. Despite the hail of enemy fire, he waited in the area until his observer dismounted and returned to the aircraft carrying the wounded scout Pilot. Captain Speare then skillfully maneuvered his overloaded AR out of the landing zone through a hail of intense automatic weapons fire. 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Barry J. Speare for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Speare distinguished himself on 8 July 1970 by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a light observation helicopter operating in Binh Dinh Province. While the team of aero-scouts were performing an aerial reconnaissance, they suddenly received intense ground fire. Captain Speare took evasive action as he radioed his situation to other elements and allowed his observer to mark the enemy position. Then the aircraft received fire from another location which severely wounded Captain Speare and badly damaged the flight controls. Despite his wounds and profuse bleeding, Captain Speare skillfully maintained the ship in a level attitude as it impacted. Once on the ground he fearlessly attempted to remove his observer from the burning wreckage, but was too weak from loss of blood. His bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.