AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AH-1G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to David F. Tela, Warrant Officer, W1, United States Army, Troop A, 3rd Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 16 February 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Tela distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter in support of a search and clear mission near Kien Long. Upon entering the area, he monitored a call that a scout helicopter had spotted a group of well equipped enemy soldiers and was climbing out of range of the enemy weapons. Reacting immediately, he placed suppressive fire on the enemy positions and covered the scout in its flight to safety. He then descended below and behind the gunship leader to place fire on any positions that might fire on any of the other aircraft. Skillfully maneuvering his helicopter, he stayed in position to place suppressive fire under the other aircraft, yet he was evasive enough to prevent the enemy gunners from hitting his aircraft. As the command and control aircraft ceased firing, he began placing devastating aerial rocket fire into the enemy emplacements. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly made low passes over the enemy positions and assisted in the destruction of several enemy guns. Warrant Officer Tela’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were instrumental in the success of the mission. 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to David F. Tela, Warrant Officer, W1, United States Army, Troop A, 3rd Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 13 March 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Tela distinguished himself while flying in a team of helicopter gunships. When an enemy force of numerical superiority surrounded a friendly unit, his light fire team scrambled to the aid of the ground troops. Upon arriving at the contact site he quickly identified the friendly and enemy positions and began a deadly attack against the heaviest hostile concentrations. Despite the fact that dense smoke and haze in the area constituted unflyable conditions and the fact that he was receiving anti-aircraft and rocket fire, along with automatic weapons fire, he repeatedly dove his aircraft against the enemy gun positions until his rocket fire had effectively neutralized the threat. Through his courage and sound judgement a perilous situation was favorably resolved and the enemy forces suffered heavy manpower and material losses, thus contributing immeasurably to the success of the mission. Warrant Officer Tela’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, their unit and the United States Army.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to David F. Tela, Chief Warrant Officer, W2, United States Army, Troop A, 3rd Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 20 July 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Tela distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a helicopter gunship on a search and clear mission near Tay Ninh. Directing his scout aircraft into a known hostile area, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to be in a continuous support position when the scout ship received fire. When the scout did receive automatic weapons fire, he launched an accurate attack upon the enemy. Demonstrating a complete professional understanding of the situation, he directed tactical airstrikes and organized further strikes into the area. Throughout the contact, he continued to deliver harassment fire to contain the enemy within what later proved to be an enemy base camp. At the completion of the operation, he was responsible for the rapid and violent elimination of numerous enemy personnel and their base of operations. Through his courage, sound judgment and professionalism, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. 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.