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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Frederick W. Brisbois, Warrant Officer WO1, Troop B, 7th Armored Squadron, 1st Air Cav, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 17 March 1971 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Brisbois distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the co-pilot of a lift helicopter which was parked, on standby status, at Reaction Hill, near Khe Sanh. When enemy gunners began to shell the hill with field guns, the pilots raced to their aircraft and started them. Warrant Officer Brisbois, an ex-gunship pilot who had been flying lift ships for only one week, found himself alone in one of the aircraft. Only after having been assured that his crew was safe aboard another aircraft did he depart the area. As the flight climbed, a rapid headcount indicated that although his crew was safe, another crew had been left behind on the poorly fortified hilltop. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Warrant Officer Brisbois departed the formation and returned to the ravaged hilltop. Hovering over the bunkers with enemy fire bursting all around him, he courageously searched for the missing crew. An artillery round landed less than 20 (?) meters from the nose of the aircraft, showering it with dirt. Miraculously, it did not explode. Hearing the helicopter hovering overhead, the three crew men raced from their bunker and scrambled aboard as Warrant Officer Brisbois initiated a rapid takeoff. Warrant Officer Brisbois’ professionalism and devotion to his comrades were responsible for the saving of three lives. His intrepid 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.