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 Specialist Fifth Class Vicente (Vincent) P. Crawford (ASN: RA-50010262), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism and gallantry while participating in aerial flight. Specialist Fifth Class Crawford distinguished himself by heroism in action on 13 May 1967, while serving as Flight Engineer on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a medical evacuation mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. During the extractions of the first casualty, the hoist failed, leaving the wounded soldier suspended approximately 30 feet below the helicopter. Specialist Crawford, with the help of the other crewmembers, grasped the hoist cable and pulled the soldier up through the cargo hatch. With several wounded still to be extracted, the aircraft proceeded back to the landing zone. Upon landing, the crew worked diligently and repaired the hoist within a matter of minutes. Upon arrival at the evacuation site, Specialist Crawford and his fellow crewmembers worked over two hours while skillfully extracting the rest of the casualties. His display of personal bravery and devotion to duty 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 Specialist Fifth Class Vicente (Vincent) P. Crawford (ASN: RA-50010262), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. Specialist Fifth Class Crawford distinguished himself by heroism in action on 9 May 1967, while serving as Flight Engineer of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a mission near Bong Son in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Crawford voluntarily crawled out of his helicopter while at an altitude of 2,000 feet to remove a sandbag which had become lodged in the intake manifold of the forward engine during takeoff. His courageous action prevented what might have been a disaster as the large Chinook helicopter is extremely difficult to fly on a single engine in high density altitude conditions. With the obstruction removed, the pilots were able to regain power in the engine and complete the mission without having to release the howitzer artillery piece being carried under the aircraft. Specialist Crawford’s heroic action without regard for his own safety is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.