AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Richard A. Bradley, Chief Warrant Officer W2, United States Army, Troop C, 7th Armored Squadron, 17 Air Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 14 April 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Bradley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a light observation helicopter in Bien Dien Province that resulted in a successful ground operation against a hostile force and a safe battlefield evacuation of several wounded soldiers. As the lead ship in an aero-scout reconnaissance team received fire from a hillside saturated with enemy held caves, he maneuvered his wing aircraft into position to cover the distressed lead element and immediately returned the fire. As infantryman at the base of the hill began to assault the hostile positions, heedless of his own safety, he placed himself between the enemy and the friendly troops, directing them in their assault. Following the battle in which several soldiers had been wounded, Chief' Warrant Officer Bradley courageously placed himself between a medical evacuation helicopter and the hostile force as the unarmed ship moved in to extract the wounded. He remained with the ship throughout its approach, landing, and departure insuring its security. 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.

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 A. Bradley, Chief Warrant Officer W2, United States Army, Troop C, 7th Armored Squadron, 17 Air Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 5 June 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Bradley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as pilot-observer aboard a light observation helicopter performing a reconnaissance mission in Bien Dien Province. While searching for suspected enemy locations the team of aero-scout helicopters suddenly received intense heavy caliber automatic weapons fire. Immediately, he engaged the enemy with machinegun fire and marked their positions. As the aircraft continued to take numerous hits and the other pilot was fatally wounded, Chief Warrant Officer Bradley quickly regained control of the badly damaged ship and landed it without further damage. He then exited the aircraft and attempted to free the other pilot despite the hail of enemy fire directed at him. Taking a defensive position, he directed gunship fire on the enemy positions. His courage 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.