AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-34

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lance Corporal Allan Douglas Cain, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 17 November 1968, Lance Corporal Cain launched as Aerial Gunner aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two UH-34 helicopters assigned to extract several wounded Marines from an enemy controlled zone nine miles south of Da Nang. Arriving over the hostile area, he assisted in locating the landing zone and monitored the terrain hazards as the pilot commenced his approach. As the aircraft was entering the site, it came under intense automatic weapons fire which wounded the crew chief and caused severe battle damage. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Cain quickly manned his machine gun and delivered accurate suppressive fire against the hostile positions. Although the helicopter burst into flames, he steadfastly continued to fire his machine gun as the pilot lifted out of the zone and executed an emergency landing in a nearby rice paddy. Ignoring the flames and smoke, he assisted the pilots and crew out of the aircraft and led them to a safe area to await the arrival of an evacuation helicopter. Continuing his determined efforts, he ably prepared a landing zone from which the Marines were subsequently extracted by another craft. Lance Corporal Cain's courage, outstanding professional skill and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.