Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer

    Action Date:

    February 9, 1965

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Jack F. Saint, United States Army, for heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight on 9 February 1965, in the Republic of Vietnam, while assigned to the 68th Aviation Company. On this date, Warrant Officer Saint was pilot of an armed UH-1B helicopter participating in a rescue mission. Warrant Officer Saint landed his helicopter under heavy fire to rescue the crew of another helicopter that had been shot down. Disregarding his personal safety, Warrant Officer Saint jumped from his aircraft, braving intense enemy small arms fire. to reach the crew of the downed aircraft. Recovering the injured crew of the downed helicopter, he returned to his own aircraft to find his co-pilot incapacitated from wounds. Warrant Officer Saint directed his door gunner and crew chief to return fire against the enemy forces advancing on the landing zone, while he regained control of the damaged helicopter and fought his way out of the area. Once clear of the landing zone, Warrant Officer Saint directed the door gunner and crew chief as they provided first aid for their wounded comrades. Upon return to the helicopter staging area, his superiors determined that Warrant Officer Saint’s helicopter was too damaged from enemy fire to continue flying and had it evacuated to the rear area for major repairs. Warrant Officer Sant’s actions have shown a personal heroism and gallantry, professional competence, and concern for the safety of others, which are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.