AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-58A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Robert E. Bunney, SP4, D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: On 11 February 1971, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, Specialist Four Bunney distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as crew chief aboard an OH-58A Light Observation Helicopter. Reconnoitering an area where another scout helicopter had taken intense enemy fire, Specialist Four Bunney's aircraft also became the target of enemy .51 caliber machines-guns and intense automatic small arms fire from a battalion size enemy force. He immediately directed extremely accurate suppressive fire into the anti-aircraft positions, silencing the enemy fire and enabling the aircraft to withdraw without damage. Artillery and airstrikes were called in and again Specialist Four Bunney's aircraft entered the area to assess bomb damage and re-mark enemy positions. Flying low level, the aircraft encountered very intense enemy fire from all quadrants. Specialist Four Bunney simultaneously marked and returned pinpoint accurate fire into the enemy gun positions. Subsequently, the aircraft was disabled by enemy fire and the pilot autorotated down. Although the aircraft was moving at slight forward speed and provided an excellent target for the enemy, Specialist Four Bunney suspended himself from the aircraft in order to more effectively suppress enemy fire. As a result of his personal courage and extreme accuracy with the machine gun, none of the crew were injured by hostile fire. Specialist Four Bunney's heroic 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.