The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Robert D. Wiggins, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Wiggins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 November 1969 while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Troop F, 5th Cavalry. On that date, Captain Wiggins was flying aboard a AH-1G helicopter in support of a friendly infantry unit engaged in heavy contact with an enemy force near Thang Binh Province. Despite the driving rain and low ceiling which had forced other supporting aircraft to turn back, Captain Wiggins arrived on station and immediately began a series of low level firing runs over the hostile emplacements. Although his aircraft was subjected to heavy automatic weapons fire, Captain Wiggins gallantly continued to engage the insurgents until he had expended all his ordnance. Through his timely and courageous actions, he was responsible for the overall success of the mission. Captain Wiggins’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
CaptainRegiment:
5th Cavalry RegimentDivision:
23d Infantry Division (Americal)Action Date:
January 6, 1970
DFC SocietyThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Robert D. Wiggins, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Wiggins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 January 1970 while flying with Troop F, 8th Cavalry. On that date, Captain Wiggins was commanding an AH-1G Cobra gunship flying in support of a friendly ground force in heavy contact with about 100 North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Unhesitatingly descending to attack in the face of heavy hostile fire, Captain Wiggins maneuvered his aircraft through three passes over the enemy emplacements spraying devastating fire on the insurgents’ trench line. On the fourth pass, the ship received six direct hits, badly damaging the hydraulic system. After making an emergency landing in the embattled area, Captain Wiggins was forced from his ship to a position of cover by a hail of enemy small arms fire. Remembering that his helicopter held classified documents, Captain Wiggins, with complete disregard for personal safety, darted under fire across a wide expanse of open terrain to retrieve the valuable material before allowing himself to be extracted. Back in a secure area, Captain Wiggins obtained another gunship and gallantly returned to attack the insurgent emplacements. Through his timely and courageous actions, Captain Wiggins was instrumental in the overall success of the mission. Captain Wiggins’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.