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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Richard M. Hart, Specialist Four E4, United States Army, 82d Medical Detachment, 67th Medica Group, 44th Medical Brigade for heroism, while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Hart distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 November 1967 while serving as crew chief aboard an ambulance helicopter in a rescue mission near Dong Tam. An armored convoy was savagely ambushed at night by a large Viet Cong force and the friendly troops suffered several casualties. Specialist Hart immediately volunteered to accompany a flight to evacuate the wounded. The ambush site was under intense rocket, machine gun and automatic weapons fire when the helicopter arrived, and the pilot landed under blackout conditions. Specialist Hart leaped to the ground amid a bail of bullets and began loading casualties. When the helicopter was filled to capacity, he exposed himself at the door and delivered deadly suppressing fire on the insurgents to cover the takeoff. During the flight to the hospital, he skillfully aided the medic in treating the wounded. His ship made two more rescue flights to the battle site during the night, and he repeatedly braved withering enemy fire to reach the wounded and carry them to safety. His unselfish concern fir the welfare of his fellow soldiers contributed greatly to the rapid evacuation of twenty-three seriously wounded men. Specialist Four Hart’s outstanding 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.