AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Vermillion for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Vermillion distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a helicopter gunship in support of an extraction of a long range patrol in Bien Dien Province. The patrol was surrounded by a superior enemy force and had sustained one casualty. When scout ships entered the area and came under fire, Warrant Officer Vermillion quickly engaged the enemy with rocket and minigun fire. While the medevac aircraft hovered above the trees, Warrant Officer Vermillion made low, slow runs to divert hostile fire from the rescue ship, despite the hail of enemy fire directed at his ship. With the extraction completed, he continued his attack on enemy positions, inflicting heavy casualties. Warrant Officer Vermillion's skill as an aviator and his performance under fire contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the finest 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 Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Vermillion for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. These men distinguished themselves by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commanders of helicopter gunships during a rescue operation of a downed helicopter crew. During a visual reconnaissance near the Cambodian Border a light observation helicopter was downed by enemy fire and the crew wounded. These men immediately engaged the enemy positions with rocket and minigun fire. As another helicopter landed to rescue the wounded men from the burning crash, they made low, slow passes over the enemy attempting to divert fire from the men on the ground. Flying through intense automatic weapons fire and heedless of their own safety, they continued inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy even though forced to use ammunition sparingly to insure their supply would not be exhausted before the rescue was complete. As the rescue ship departed the crash site, they provided close fire support to insure its safety. Their courage and performance were exemplary. Their actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, their unit, and the United States Army.