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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Keith L. Burson for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Chief Warrant Officer Burson distinguished himself on 31 January 1966 while serving as the Pilot of a UH-1D helicopter supporting the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry. Completing a resupply mission he was requested to effect medical evacuation from the position of a company under attack by the Viet Cong. The embattled company was receiving casualties from the extremely accurate enemy machine gun and small arms fire and approaching the company's position, his helicopter became the target of extremely accurate enemy fire, sustaining several bullet strikes which rendered his radios useless. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer Burson continued into the pick-up zone which was alive with enemy fire, with extreme stability and courage he remained on the ground until the wounded were loaded aboard his aircraft, while his machine gunner fired incessantly to cover the movement of the wounded. Departing the pick-up zone, his hydraulic servos failed from the damage received by the intense enemy fire. His daring courage and determination while under hostile fire saved the lives of several critically wounded friendly troops. Chief Warrant Officer Burson's 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.