Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 2 Line: 26

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

REX, RICHARD N. SSAN: 306-32-8329 CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER W4 United States Army, 273rd Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), APO 96384

Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross

Date of service: 9 October 1969

Theater: Republic of Vietnam

Authority: By direction of the president under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926, AR 672-5-1 and USARV Reg 672-1 dated 1 July 1969.

Reason: For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Rex distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious actions while acting as aircraft commander of a heavy lift helicopter during the laying of a 12,000 pound, 50 foot long bridge section at Fire Support Base Sedgwick. Upon arrival, he noted that the drop-off point was located in the center of the fire support base. He instructed the flight engineer to let out fifty to sixty feet of cable in order not to injure personnel or damage equipment in the area with his rotor wash. While hovering in this precarious position, both generators failed, causing loss of the flight stabilization system. Although able to maintain only minimum control of the aircraft, he did not jettison the load because of the close proximity of many ground personnel and the sure injury or death to many of them. He selected to get the aircraft into forward flight where control could be better maintained. After clearing the fire support base, the bridge section was lowered to the ground and corrective measures were taken which finally resulted in repair of the faulty system. Chief Warrant Officer Rex through his sound judgment, professional ability and devotion to duty, coupled with exceptional flying ability fulfilled this mission, under extreme stress, with no damage to the bridge, no injury to ground personnel and minimum stress on the aircraft. His 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.