Page 76 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

ARTHUR R. WHITTEN
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Arthur R. Whitten, Chief Warrant Officer, United States Army, 247th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance), 9th Infantry Division, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Chief Warrant Officer Whitten distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 January, 1969 while serving as a Pilot with the 247th Medical Detachment, 9thInfantry Division, on a medical evacuation mission near Ap Dong. Upon arriving over an area where friendly forces were in contact
with an enemy element, Warrant Officer Whitten unhesitatingly landed his craft to extract seriously wounded casualties. As he started to lift off, his craft came under intense hostile fire, which wounded his co-pilot and inflicted heavy damage to his helicopter. Realizing that the
wounded men needed to reach medical assistance as
quickly as possible, Warrant Officer Whitten courageously chose to attempt to fly the craft back to Dong Tam, although it could have crashed at any time. Through his outstanding flying skill, and at risk to his own life, he managed to bring the craft back to Dong Tam and land safely. Chief Warrant Officer Whitten’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
CECIL D. CLARK
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Cecil D. Clark for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C- 130E Loadmaster for the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Kontum, Republic of Vietnam on 7 July, 1972. On that date, Sergeant Clark performed duties indispensable to the successful completion of a combat essential resupply mission, air dropping vital supplies to the besieged forces at Kontum. Despite the intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Clark, through correct and timely application ofprocedures,effectedanon-targetdeliveryoftheload. Theprofessionalcompetence,aerialskill,and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Clark reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
76 / DFCS News Magazine / SUMMER 2020