AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to John F. Zugschwert, Major, Artillery, United States Army, 269 th AVN Bn, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 22 August 1967 for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Major Zugschwert distinguished himself while serving as pilot of a command and control ship. Major Zugschwert coordinated completely the movement of four assault helicopter companies and their support gunships through an intricate net of artillery concentrations and airstrikes. His effectiveness in this aerial role insured the complete safety of all participating aviation units as well as the infantry battalion being transported. During the operations, his estimates of the situations were without fault, and all his actions highly professional. Once contact was made with the Viet Cong, he utilized all the resources at his command to insure minimal loss of troops and equipment. Major Zugschwert's courage and devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. 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 John F. Zugschwert, Major, Artillery, United States Army, HHC, 269 th Cbt AVN Bn, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 28 September 1967 for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Major Zugschwert distinguished himself while serving as S-3 officer of the aviation battalion during a combat assault mission near Go Dau Ha, Republic of Vietnam. When the original planned operation for a multi-battalion assault was cancelled, he effectively coordinated alternate plans for another operation. His immediate reaction and instruction to the airborne elements plus his skillful relocation of the tactical airstrikes, artillery preparation and helicopter gunship suppression, resulted in a successful operation. Just after contact was made with the enemy, three helicopters were shot down and the remaining aircraft needed to refuel. He alertly initiated a precise refueling schedule for all of the aircraft committed to the operation and employed a smokeship to assist the pinned down friendly troops. He then initiated the successful extraction of both the downed crew, and the aircraft. Major Zugschwert's estimates and solution to the tactical situation ere faultless, and contributed immeasurably to the successful completion of the mission. 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to John F. Zugschwert, Major, Artillery, United States Army, 269 th Cbt AVN Bn, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 8 December 1967 for extraordinary achievement in connection with military operations against a hostile force: Major Zugschwert distinguished himself while serving as S-3 officer of the 269 th Combat Aviation Battalion. Unwilling to accept less than the ultimate in perfection in the proposed operational concept, he concerned himself with those methods, techniques, and procedures contained within the realms of airmobility which assure the success of so complex an operation. When the actual operation started he, flying in the command and control helicopter, was on-the-spot to give coordinating instructions to each unit, and remain cognizant of the needs and assistance of the Infantry troops even during the most hostile moments. Major Zugschwert displayed an example of actions and disposition reflected by only an outstanding few. His highly competent direction and coordination have reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.