AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Charles E. Brinnon for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action, above and beyond the call of duty. On 6 August 1969, Captain Brinnon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions as Mission Commander of a helicopter gunship team on a mission to extract the crew of a helicopter downed by enemy fire near Lpc Ninh. He established radio contact with the downed crew and learned that they were receiving heavy fire. He led his team on a low-level reconnaissance to locate the enemy positions and draw the hostile fire away from the downed crew and rescue helicopters. Intermittent rain showers prevented the fire team from pinpointing the well-concealed enemy positions, but Captain Brinnon continued to land his fire team in a search for the hostile locations. When the Pilot of the wing ship located the source of the enemy fire and marked the location with a stream of tracer fire, Captain Brinnon directed his fire team in repeated gun runs until the enemy positions were silenced. Through his courage and tenacity, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the rescue operation and the destruction of the enemy automatic weapons position. 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.