AWARDED DFC: 5
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 Richard L. Throckmorton, CPT, 1981 Btry C 4 th Bn (Aerial Arty) 77 th Arby (Ambl) for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 May 1970. Captain Throckmorton distinguished himself while serving as copilot of an AH-1G armed helicopter supporting a reconnaissance team near Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. After the reconnaissance team had been inserted, Captain Throckmorton observed two enemy trucks and an estimated fifty enemy soldiers. Despite intense enemy automatic weapons fire, Captain Throckmorton flew at low level and engaged the soldiers with accurate 40-millimeter grenade fire, enabling the pilot to concentrate his rocket fire on the enemy vehicles. When the aircraft received fire from an anti-aircraft weapon and three .51 caliber machine guns, Captain Throckmorton returned a heavy volume of accurate grenade fire which enabled the pilot to maneuver the aircraft against the enemy positions and destroy them. Captain Throckmorton's personal bravery 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 award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Richard L. Throckmorton, CPT, 1981 Btry C 4 th Bn (Aerial Arty) 77 th Arby (Ambl) for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 November 1970. Captain Throckmorton distinguished himself while serving as leader of an aerial rocket artillery section during an aerial assault in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Despite rapidly deteriorating weather and treacherous terrain, Captain Throckmorton led his section to an area of enemy activity. While an observation helicopter marked enemy positions, Captain Throckmorton organized an attack pattern and then led an effective assault on the emplacements. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he placed effective turret fire on the enemy and directed the fire of his section. His actions were instrumental in the destruction of a bunker complex and several anti-aircraft weapons. Captain Throckmorton's personal bravery 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Richard L. Throckmorton, CPT, 1981 Btry C 4 th Bn (Aerial Arty) 77 th Arby (Ambl) for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 9 November 1970. Captain Throckmorton distinguished himself while serving as pilot of an AH-1G armed helicopter during a troop support mission in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. Despite rapidly deteriorating weather, Captain Throckmorton launched the attack to provide covering fire for two helicopters delivering badly needed supplies to a beleaguered ground element. When informed that the element was in danger of being overrun, Captain Throckmorton placed devastating rocket fire silencing the enemy. Although he had expended his ordnance and the hostile fire increased, he continued to make low level passes to draw the enemy fire, enabling the resupply helicopters to land and successfully complete the mission. Captain Throckmorton's personal bravery 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.

4.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Third Oak Leaf Cluster) to Richard L. Throckmorton, CPT, 1981 Btry C 4 th Bn (Aerial Arty) 77 th Arby (Ambl) for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 June 1970. Captain Throckmorton distinguished himself while serving as pilot and gunner of an AH-1G helicopter during an emergency extraction mission in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. When a long range reconnaissance team came in contact with a numerically superior enemy force and requested an immediate extraction, Captain Throckmorton piloted his aircraft to the contact area. While approaching the landing zone, Captain Throckmorton's aircraft came under intense anti-aircraft fire. Flying directly at the enemy positions, he delivered devastating suppressive fire and silenced the enemy positions. While escorting the lift helicopter into the landing zone, Captain Throckmorton's aircraft again came under hostile fire. Drawing the enemy fire toward himself, he enabled the troop helicopter to complete the extraction. Remaining on station, he provided covering fire for the remaining ground troops to insure that they were not overrun. Captain Throckmorton's personal bravery 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.

5.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster) to Richard L. Throckmorton, CPT, 1981 Bry C 4th Bn (Aerial Arty) 77th Arty (Ambl) for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in Laos. Captain Throckmorton distinguished himself on 16 March 1971 while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G armed helicopter in support of Army of the Republic of Vietnam troops in Laos. Receiving notice that an allied element was in contact with the enemy, Captain Throckmorton flew to the area of contact, engaging them immediately with machine gun and grenade fire. Suddenly he received extremely heavy antiaircraft fire, endangering the existence of his accompanying aircraft and himself. Disregarding his own safety, he attacked, destroying the enemy positions with accurate rocket fire. After rearming he returned to the same site and again placed suppressive fire on the attacking enemy. His efforts were instrumental to breaking the force of the enemy attack, saving allied lives. Captain Throckmorton’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service end reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.