Page 14 - DFCS News Magazine Winter 2011

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distin- guished Flying Cross to Captain Stuart G. Hoyt for extraordinary achievement while partici- pating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Navigator over hostile territory on 5 August 1970. On
that date, Captain Hoyt completed a highly important re- connaissance mission over a heavily defended area of Southeast Asia. In spite of intense and accurate anti- aircraft fire, he continued his photographic passes and returned evidence of significant new defensive positions which provided accurate intelligence assessment of hostile activities. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hoyt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
The President of the United States takes great pleas- ure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank C. Koch for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Com- mander of an HH-3A armed combat rescue helicopter while attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron
Seven, Detachment One One Zero embarked on Seventh Fleet carri- ers in the Tonkin Gulf. On 6 September 1972, Lieutenant Commander Koch was aboard the USS Gridley (DLG-21) when word was received that a A-4 Skyhawk had been downed by anti-aircraft artillery fire. Within minutes Lieutenant Commander Koch had his combat rescue helicopter airborne and enroute to the rescue area. Receiving vectors in the air, Lieutenant Commander Koch learned that the survivor was within two miles of the coast of North Vietnam and that the wind was blowing him toward the beach. Lieutenant Commander Koch elected to transit dangerously close to the island of Hon Me to save valuable time. Upon entering the rescue area, splashes from coastal batteries were observed along with anti-aircraft artillery fire. Lieutenant Com- mander Koch made a high speed approach to drop his swimmer and moved away from the survivor to drop a smoke as a diversionary tac- tic. When signaled by the swimmer that he and the downed pilot were ready for the pick-up, Lieutenant Commander Koch quickly brought his combat rescue helicopter into a hover overhead and hoisted them aboard. Lieutenant Commander Koch’s courageous leadership and aerial
skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to War- rant Officer Kenneth B. McNeel for heroism involving aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 May 1969.
Warrant Officer McNeel distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G gunship performing a troop support mission in the A Shau Valley, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. War- rant Officer McNeel, flying dangerously low and slowly through in- tense enemy fire, located the scattered friendly elements. He then proceeded to place his ordnance precisely on the enemy targets. He fired point blank into the enemy positions in order to insure the accu- racy of his ordnance since the enemy force was extremely close to the friendly elements. His precision
shooting and professional flying ability enabled the ground unit to withdraw with its wounded men and regroup its personnel. Warrant Officer McNeel's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keep- ing 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 Distin- guished Flying Cross to Warrant officer Norman L. Helmke for heroism while participating in aeri- al flight evidenced by voluntary action above
and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant officer Helmke distinguished himself by exception- ally valorous actions on 19 August 1968, while serving as a Pilot of a LOH helicopter during an enemy attack in the Republic of Vietnam. When his unit’s perimeter came under an intense enemy rocket attack, Warrant Officer Helmke landed his helicopter several times while rockets were still landing to pick up a Battalion Commander and observers. Disregarding his own safety, Warrant officer Helmke then flew over enemy-controlled terrain in search of the enemy rocket positions. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keep-
ing with the high- est traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Unit- ed States Army.
Winter 2011 Issue Page 14