Page 9 - DFCS News Magazine Spring 2014

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer William B. Kimbrough, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight. On 22 February 1967, during Operation Junction City, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough was Aircraft Commander of a transport helicopter flying in support of infantry units which were heavily engaged in combat with well-fortified Viet Cong forces. Despite limited visibility caused by ground fog, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough unhesitatingly flew numerous sorties of troops and external loads of howitzers and ammuni-
tion to forward sites in order to furnish supporting fire to friendly troops. As he approached an unsecured landing zone, his aircraft was subjected to intense hostile fire. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough braved the hostile fire and immediately directed suppressive fire onto the insurgents. After he had sufficiently suppressed the insurgent fire to enable him to execute a safe landing, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough discharged the friendly troops and quickly unloaded the critically needed ammunition. During his ascent out of the zone, he again received heavy concentrations of enemy fire. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough immediately undertook evasive maneuvers to avoid the unrelenting hostile fire and simultaneously strafed the enemy posi-
tions. Throughout the day, Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough made repeated trips to resupply American sol- diers, each time disregarding the intense hostile fire which was directed at his aircraft. His display of excep- tional flying ability coupled with his bold determination while under hostile fire significantly contributed to the success of this decisive operation. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough’s actions are in keeping with the fin- est traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to
Chief Warrant Officer William B. Kimbrough, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight
evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough distin-
guished himself by heroic actions on 7 April 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Aircraft Com-
mander of a CH-47 helicopter, delivering critically needed 105 howitzer ammunition to elements of the First
Infantry Division. It was learned that landing zone “Thrust” was under heavy Viet Cong mortar fire, and the
batteries were running extremely low on ammunition. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough immediately coordi-
nated with the supporting element at Quan Loi and within minutes was on the way to “Thrust” with the badly needed ammunition. Con- tacting the ground element at landing zone “Thrust”, he was further advised that the artillery pieces were firing in a 360 degree fan and the only possible safe approach into the area was low level flight from three miles away. Knowing the danger involved, he maneuvered his helicopter to within fifty feet of the trees and proceeded to the landing zone. His approach was complicated by darkness, tall trees, stumps and dust in the area. Although receiving intense fire on the first approach into the landing zone, he continued with complete confidence and courage, successfully delivering the badly needed ammunition into the area without damage to his aircraft. Throughout the night, he flew several similar missions, demonstrating the utmost in flying ability and courage. With the ammunition resupplied, the batteries were able to silence the Viet Cong mortars. Chief Warrant Officer Kimbrough’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.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Charles C. Garrett, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Bombardier of a B-26 type aircraft on 5 August 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Garrett served as Lead Bombardier of a flight of medium bombardment aircraft in an attack
against an important enemy railroad bridge. Confronted with clouds over the target that
made it impossible to bomb from the briefed altitude, the flight dropped to an altitude
which brought it below the clouds, but made it an excellent target for enemy anti-aircraft
fire. Lieutenant Garrett, although subjected to extreme danger and allowed only a mini-
mum of time to pick up the target in his sight, skillfully bombed the target with excellent
results and enabled his flight to deliver a damaging blow to the enemy. The skill, courage and determination exhibited by Lieutenant Gar- rett reflect great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Dis- tinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Charles R. Mills for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight based on the Escort Carrier, U.S.S. Santee. On 25 October 1944, during her operations
against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, Ensign Mills took part in a torpedo attack against a large force of enemy battleships, cruisers and destroyers. Although unsup- ported by dive bombing and strafing and despite a dangerously low fuel supply, he carried out a vigorous attack with courage and skill. Upon completion of the attack, his fuel supply exhausted, he was forced to land in the water in the vicinity of the ene- my force. His courage and heroism were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
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