Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    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 Captain Lawrence M. King, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain King distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as air mission commander of a visual reconnaissance team, scouting enemy positions. While destroying numerous camouflaged houses and bunkers, the scout team received intense automatic weapons fire and evaded. Captain King immediately initiated gunship rocket attacks on the enemy positions. The aerial scouts re-entered the area and immediately received additional intense large caliber machinegun fire. The lead scout pilot was wounded by four enemy rounds, but managed to land in an insecure area several hundred meters away. Captain King descended to rescue the crew through intensive enemy automatic weapons fire. He landed as close as possible to the downed aircraft and quickly evacuated the wounded pilot. He then flew out of the area, continually receiving enemy fire, and flew the wounded pilot to a nearby staging area where he was med-evaced by another aircraft. Captain King returned to the downed aircraft and inserted another scout pilot to attempt to fly the damaged aircraft from the area. Although receiving fire, he landed between the downed aircraft and the enemy position and remained on the ground, providing suppressive gunfire, until the attempted evacuation proved futile due to a tail rotor failure. He then directed navy tactical fighters strikes in areas surrounding the downed 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.