The 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 to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Field distinguished himself by heroism in action on 18 February 1967, while serving as team leader of two UH-1B armed helicopters during a reconnaissance mission in the An Lao Valley, Republic of Vietnam. While at tree top level, Captain Field’s aircraft was taken under fire by a concealed enemy automatic weapon. He called for his chase aircraft to engage the position with rocket fire. As the pilot of the chase helicopter broke out of his rocket run he received several hits which ignited a serious fire and forced him to make an immediate landing. Although under constant enemy fire, Captain Field landed in order to evacuate the downed crew. As the area of the downed aircraft was still receiving intense automatic weapons fire, Captain Field placed his own aircraft between the enemy emplacements and the crew of the other helicopter so that he could provide suppressive fire. Then, fully aware that his own aircraft was dangerously overloaded, he extracted the entire crew. Captain Field’s extraordinary heroism under intense hostile fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Field distinguished himself by heroism in action on 11 May 1967, while leading a team of two unarmed UH-1B helicopters on a combat support mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Field repeatedly placed himself in positions of grave danger as he delivered aerial rocket fire on fortified enemy entrenchments. The suppressive fires delivered by Captain Field enabled the ground elements to maneuver, locate and destroy the enemy force. At one point, when he was unable to make radio contact with the ground element, Captain Field landed his aircraft and personally destroyed an enemy soldier concealed in a bunker undetected by friendly troops. Several casualties sustained by the friendly units were evacuated by Captain Field under intense hostile fire. His unrelenting determination and personal bravery in close combat are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.