AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1H

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Arthur R. Whitten, Chief Warrant Officer, United States Army, 247th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance), 9 th Infantry Division, 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 Whitten distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 January 1969 while serving as a Pilot with the 247 th Medical Detachment, 9 th Infantry Division, on a medical evacuation mission near Ap Dong. Upon arriving over an area where friendly forces were in contact with an enemy element, Warrant Officer Whitten unhesitatingly landed his craft to extract seriously wounded casualties. As he started to lift off, his craft came under intense hostile fire, which wounded his co-pilot and inflicted heavy damage to his helicopter. Realizing that the wounded men needed to reach medical assistance as quickly as possible, Warrant Officer Whitten courageously chose to attempt to fly the craft back to Dong Tam, although it could have crashed at any time. Through his outstanding flying skill, and at risk to his own life, he managed to bring the craft back to Dong Tam and land safely. Chief Warrant Officer Whitten's outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9 th Infantry Division and the United States Army.