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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer 1 David C. Thill for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Thill distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 13 September 1969 while serving as Aircraft Commander with Company B, 229th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) (Airmobile) during an escort mission near landing zone Carolyn, Republic of Vietnam. When the sniffer aircraft began receiving heavy caliber machine gun fire from concealed enemy positions, Warrant Officer Thill went into a dive unleashing the tremendous firepower of his mini-guns and 40mm cannons on the enemy emplacements, drawing the fire away from the reconnaissance helicopter. The reconnaissance helicopter, however, received several hits and made a forced landing. Warrant Officer Thill then repeatedly made low-level dives at the enemy exhausting his full supply of ordnance. Realizing the other aircraft was still in peril, Warrant Officer Thill, disregarding his own safety, made dummy dives keeping the enemy's attention and fire away from the downed aircraft and crew until another helicopter was able to come and extract the downed crew members. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.