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 Thomas W. Stowell for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Stowell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a transport helicopter supporting friendly division forces near Tra Vinh, Vinh Binh Province. His aircraft was a member of a flight of six helicopters engaged in combat insertion operations for friendly ground forces. Warrant Officer Stowell was summoned with the flight to assist these ground forces that had come in heavy contact with a hostile force of undetermined size. The first two landing attempts were unsuccessful because of intense enemy automatic and small arms fire in the pickup zone. He maneuvered his aircraft within the flight to protect the entire flight with suppressive fire. The third landing attempt was successful. However, the aircraft were ambushed as they reached the ground. Warrant Officer Stowell was exposed to extremely heavy fire, as his aircraft received bullet damage. Despite the enemy fire and darkness, his courage and superb flying ability enabled him to safely remove his aircraft and extract the friendly troops from the hazardous pickup zone. 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.