Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 43

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Sandee Swanson

Distinguished Flying Cross Citation.

For heroism -while participating in aerial flight, as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, in the Republic of Vietnam
FIRST LIEU1BJANT SWANSON distinguished himself fay exceptionally valorous actions on 19 June 1967, while serving as a pilot of a UH-1C helicopter on a combat operation 17 miles south of Saigon, Vietnam. Learning that an infantry unit had made contact with an estimated battalion of Viet Cong Lieutenant Swansea immediate3y flew directly to the scene of the battle as a part of an armed helicopter fire team. Without regard for personal safety, Lieutenant Swanson gallantly flew low over the enemy position directing his suppressive fire on the insurgents. Although exposing himself to an intense volume of automatic and semi-automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Swanson succeeded in silencing many of the hostile weapons. Throughout the long encounter with the Viet Cong, Lieutenant Swanson performed all duties in an exemplary manner and contributed significantly to the overwhelming defeat of the enemy force. First Lieutenant Swanson's personal bravery and outstanding flying ability 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. By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926.