Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 3 Line: 17

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

HEADQUARTERS
1ST CAVALRY DIVISION (AIRMOBILE)
APO San Francisco 9649O
GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER • 466 18 February 1966
AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
1. TC 520. The AWARD is announced.
MILLS, JON R. O5312454 CAPTAIN INFANTRY United States Army Aviation Company, 7th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, 229th
Assault Helicopter Battalion

Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
Date action: i4 November 1965
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason:- For heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Mills distinguished himself by heroic action on 14 November 1965, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date he was serving as Flight Leader of four aircraft on a combat mission. His flight was involved in lifting the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) into landing zone X-Ray, eight miles west of Plei Me, Vietnam. After four successful lifts were completed into the area, Captain Mills was advised that the area was under heavy enemy attack, but the infantry that he was carrying were desperately needed. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Mills elected to continue into the landing zone. Upon landing, the fire was so heavy that six of the ten men on his aircraft became casualties. Departing the area, he led the flight at low level to avoid an incoming barrage of artillery and returned to the pickup zone. Upon arrival Captain Mills was advised that the unit at landing zone X-Ray needed
the immediate evacuation of casualties. Captain Mils volunteered to return to the hostile area to effect evacuation of the seriously wounded. Displaying outstanding flying ability he vertically descended through tall trees, heavy smoke, and intense enemy fire into landing zone X-Ray. Immediately upon landing he began directing the loading of the more seriously wounded on his aircraft. Determined to render assistance to the infantry as long as it was required, Captain Mills made 13 subsequent landings, while under heavy enemy fire, to affect ammunition resupply and evacuation of casualties. Captain Mills' courage and bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1962.