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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Michael Finlay Field (ASN: 0-90798), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Field distinguished himself by heroic action on 10 July 1964, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, he was participating in a search and clear operation as pilot of an O-1F aircraft with the mission of aerial surveillance and radio relay for the 30th Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The battalion encountered heavy small arms fire from an estimated company of Viet Cong. Captain Field provided information concerning the enemy dispositions, maneuvers, and obtained pin-point artillery support. After approximately two hours of intense fighting, the company found itself surrounded on three sides by the enemy and were forced into a defensive posture by what had now become two battalions of Viet Cong. At this time, the aircraft piloted by Captain Field was hit by automatic weapons fire which damaged the internal structure and control cable and resulted in Captain Field receiving slight wounds. Despite grave personal danger, Captain Field elected to remain and support the surrounded unit until lack of fuel forced him to return to base. Captain Field, despite his wounds, returned to the operational area later that night and directed armed helicopter strikes and flare ships. Throughout the entire period Captain Field distinguished himself with valor. His courage and devotion to duty under fire reflect great credit upon himself, and the United States Army, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.