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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Howard P. Born, 161ST Assault Helicopter Company, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. CPT Born, of the 161st Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by heroism while participating in an aerial flight on 11 October 1966, twenty miles Northwest of Dak-To. CPT Born was serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1D helicopter when an urgent call was received from a Special Forces recondo team. The patrol was being pursued by three platoons of North Vietnamese regular troops. He volunteered to extract the patrol from the jungle but due to the heavy foliage it would be necessary to hover down through the trees and extract the team by rope. Upon being directed to the pick up zone his aircraft came under a hail of automatic and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own safety he began to hover his aircraft down into the trees, continually being positioned by his crew in order to avoid obstacles. Finally making physical contact with the team he began to ascend up into the clear. The load being extremely heavy, the finest pilot techniques were essential. After a full four minutes of ascending, his aircraft broke into the clear and was able to leave the scene. His efforts were instrumental in saving not only the patrol but his aircraft and crew as well. CPT Born's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.