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 Chief Warrant Officer Richard C. Ashman, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with Troop B, 3d Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, in action on 3 May 1970. Chief Warrant Officer Ashman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting a helicopter gun ship on a hunter-killer mission. He was directing a scout aircraft into a target area that was to receive a visual reconnaissance, when the scout aircraft came under accurate and intense machinegun fire, wounding both pilots. He then ordered the scout aircraft to break away from the area and with complete disregard for his own safety immediately began a gun run on the machinegun emplacement. After firing two pairs of rockets, he realized that his aircraft was experiencing hydraulics failure. Disregarding the obvious danger to himself, he continued on the gun run to allow the scout aircraft a safe departure from the enemy location. After requesting and obtaining another ship, he returned to the contact area accompanied by another scout aircraft and two ship loads of ground troops. He continued to cover the ensuing operation which resulted in one enemy killed, the capture of a personal weapon, and numerous enemy supplies and documents. 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.

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 Chief Warrant Officer Richard C. Ashman, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Ashman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of a helicopter gunship during a combat operation in support of a friendly ground unit in contact with a well entrenched enemy machinegun position. Coordinating with the Allied ground forces and light observation helicopters which marked the enemy positions, he boldly rolled in and unleashed a devastating barrage of fire upon the enemy emplacements. Regardless of the target of heavy enemy automatic weapons fire which struck his gunship, he nevertheless courageously continued to maneuver in over the enemy to place a hail of fire upon the hostile positions. Unrelenting in his efforts until the enemy gunners were effectively silenced, Chief Warrant Officer Ashman was directly responsible for the success of the mission. His outstanding flying ability and great personal courage in the face of intense enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.