AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain George R. Briggs for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Briggs distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1968 while serving as Pilot of an OH-6A observation helicopter with F Troop, 8th Cavalry. On that date, Captain Briggs was piloting an OH-6A scout helicopter in support of ground operations near the village of Tam Ky. While screening for an armored cavalry unit, Captain Briggs repeatedly located and attacked enemy positions that were firing at the friendly ground elements. On the initial contact with the enemy, the friendly ground element received heavy automatic weapons, recoilless rifle, and anti-tank fire, sustaining several casualties. Captain Briggs, disregarding the intense enemy fire, located the hostile positions and placed intensive suppressive fire on them. In addition to this, he marked each emplacement with smoke and then directed helicopter gunships on target, neutralizing the hostile positions. Observing additional enemy positions being prepared in the vicinity of a landing zone formed for the evacuation of the wounded, Captain Briggs placed intensive suppressive fire on the insurgents forcing them to withdraw. As the ground element moved forward, Captain Briggs located a complex of enemy positions. He immediately attacked the hostile positions with his door guns and marked them with smoke. He then directed gunships on target, dispersing the enemy and preventing another attack. Captain Briggs’ personal heroism, professional competence and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.