AWARDED DFC: 4
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 Ronald A. Whitesides, First Lieutenant Armor, United States Army, Troop A, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Whitesides distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 18 June 1969, while serving as an aircraft commander of a AH-1G helicopter with Troop A, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry during a supporting fire mission near Tay Ninh City, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Whitesides received a call for help from a friendly unit who was pinned down by an unknown size enemy force. Upon reaching the area, First Lieutenant Whitesides guided his scout helicopter into the area to pinpoint the enemy location. His scout quickly came under intense automatic weapons and heavy caliber fire, First Lieutenant Whitesides immediately reacted by placing devastating and accurate suppressive fire on the area. Three times First Lieutenant Whitesides disregarded his own safety as he rolled in on the enemy placing deadly accurate fire on the thirty caliber position. On his final pass the hostile position was silenced. First Lieutenant Whitesides’ outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are 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 Ronald A. Whitesides, First Lieutenant Armor, United States Army, Troop A, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Whitesides distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 26 November 1969, while serving as aircraft commander in the Republic of Vietnam. When the scout helicopter started receiving light enemy fire, immediately Lieutenant Whitesides rolled in, placing accurate suppressive fire in the area, but during his pull out, he began receiving heavy fire from the opposite tree line. He then set himself up to roll in on the new area of contact and during this rocket run came face to face with heavy small arms and fifty-one caliber fire. Due to his calmness during this ensuing rocket runs, the enemy position was silenced with no friendly casualties. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty is 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 Ronald A. Whitesides, Captain Armor, United States Army, Troop A, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by valorous action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Whitesides distinguished himself by valorous action on 26 January 1970 while serving as aircraft commander in the Republic of Vietnam. When the observation helicopter came under heavy fire from an unknown size enemy force, Captain Whitesides immediately rolled in laying down heavy suppressive rocket fire and silencing the enemy positions. He simultaneously guided the crippled craft to a forced landing area and supplied cover for the downed crew until they could be safely evacuated. Captain Whitesides engaged the enemy repeatedly, while at the same time adjusting artillery on the enemy. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are 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 Ronald A. Whitesides, Captain Armor, United States Army, Troop A, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Whitesides distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 29 January 1970, while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. When Captain Whitesides flew to the contact area and encountered intense enemy fire, he put down accurate fire allowing two helicopters to evacuate the ground element. His display of personal bravery, devotion to duty and outstanding flying ability are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.