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 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second 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 in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 May 1970. Chief Warrant Officer Ashman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving aboard a team of helicopter gunships in support of friendly ground forces in Cambodia. While en route from Tay Ninh Airfield to Di An, they received a call for gunship support near Ka Chek. Upon arrival in the contact area, they found that an allied convoy had been ambushed by a large enemy unit and was receiving extremely heavy fire. They continued to deliver highly accurate fire on the enemy positions, disregarding their personal safety, until the enemy retreated. Because of their great courage and outstanding flying ability, the ambushed friendly unit was able to break contact with the enemy with minimal casualties. Their actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, their unit, and the Untied States Army.