AWARDED DFC: 2
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 Captain Martin W. Thomas for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Thomas distinguished himself on 4 March 1971 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter during an emergency resupply and medical evacuation mission in support of Army of the Republic of Vietnam troops west of Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam. While on the final approach to the landing zone, Captain Thomas' aircraft came under intense enemy small arms fire, and in the landing zone was also subjected to hostile mortar fire. Despite these hazards, he remained in the landing zone while vital supplies were unloaded and friendly casualties brought aboard. Captain Thomas later made a second sortie under enemy fire to complete the resupply. His efforts were instrumental in the successful completion of the mission. Captain Thomas' outstanding flying ability 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Martin W. Thomas for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Thomas distinguished himself on 19 March 1971 while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter during the extraction of a beleaguered Army of the Republic of Vietnam unit in Laos. Enroute to the extraction site, Lieutenant Thomas skillfully piloted his aircraft at treetop level to avoid intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and directed the suppressive fire of his crew. In the landing zone, his aircraft was subjected to heavy enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire. Despite these hazards, Lieutenant Thomas brought his aircraft to a low hover over the landing zone while the aircraft was loaded and then expertly flew his aircraft from the contact area. He made two similar sorties to the landing zone to complete the extraction. First Lieutenant Thomas' outstanding flying ability 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.