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 Chief Warrant Officer William E. Boyle for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Boyle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 May 1970 while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry. On that date, Warrant Officer Boyle was flying a UH-1H helicopter on a recovery operation in support of a friendly ground unit in the Hiep Duc Valley. While gunships were engaging hostile emplacements, Warrant Officer Boyle observed a sister aircraft forced down over enemy-infested terrain by intense volumes of hostile anti-aircraft fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he quickly maneuvered his ship through the intense hostile fusillade and descended to the ground near the crippled helicopter. Despite the heavy barrage of enemy automatic weapons and mortar rounds impacting in the area, Warrant Officer Boyle kept his aircraft on the landing zone until the downed crew was aboard. Through his timely and courageous actions, he was instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. Chief Warrant Officer Boyle's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer William E. Boyle for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Boyle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 August 1970 while serving as an Aircraft Commander with D Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry. On that date, Warrant Officer Boyle was assigned the task of inserting a friendly ground force into an enemy-infested area near Kham Duc. As his aircraft approached the designated landing zone, it came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire and was forced down. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he calmly and skillfully maintained control of the helicopter during its descent. Once on the ground, Warrant Officer Boyle immediately took command of the situation and directed assistance for the wounded while securing the area against the insurgents. After leading his men to an evacuation point, he exposed himself to the hostile fusillade while acting as ground guide for the approaching extraction helicopter. Ignoring the danger involved, he aided in loading the casualties and insured the safety of his entire crew before boarding himself. Through his timely and courageous actions, he contributed greatly to saving the lives of his fellow soldiers and served as an inspiration to his comrades. Chief Warrant Officer Boyle's personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.