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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Eric L. VanderHeide for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer VanderHeide distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an AH-1C Cobra helicopter flying in support of an allied element outside of Ap Ba Lanh Vom. The friendly force had just begun a sweep of the area when it came under heavy fire. He volunteered to knock out the enemy bunkers and, as the aircraft made firing dives, he silenced the insurgent emplacements with his deadly fire. The ground units maneuvered, and their wounded were extracted under his covering fire. He skillfully and effectively held the enemy at bay, targeting their positions for the ground troops, as they assaulted the well-armed enemy forces. 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.