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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 Major Algin S. Hawkins, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 22 February 1967. On this date, Colonel Hawkins was serving as air mission commander for three separate infantry battalion airmobile assaults to commence Operation Junction City. These missions were marked by faultless execution, exact timing, and thorough coordination between Army aviation, artillery support, and Air Force tactical air support. This extraordinary accomplishment was a result of Colonel Hawkins’ expert prior planning. Colonel Hawkins led each of the flights to their respective landing zones and was constantly under intense hostile fire as he elected to hover his helicopter at dangerously low altitudes. When particularly intense hostile fire was reported, Colonel Hawkins unhesitatingly flew his aircraft to the reported area to mark insurgent positions by dropping red smoke grenades on them. This maneuver easily identified targets for his supporting gunships. During the operations, Colonel Hawkins received word that some seriously wounded men required immediate evacuation. Flying to the casualties, Colonel Hawkins was warned that the area was under heavy Viet Cong fire and was advised to wait until the sector was cleared before attempting the evacuation. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Hawkins elected to go into the area and extract the wounded. His courageous action undoubtedly saved the lives of critically wounded soldiers. Colonel Hawkins’ keen insight into the tactical operation, coupled with his responsiveness and coolness under fire, enabled the ground commander to deploy 1260 troops in a minimum of time and insured the success of the entire mission. Lieutenant Colonel Hawkins’ actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major

    Action Date:

    November 6 – 9, 1966
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 Major Algin S. Hawkins, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. During the period 6 November 1966 – 9 November 1966, Major Hawkins was serving as air mission commander for the many heliborne operations that were conducted in support of Operation Attleboro. Early in the morning of 6 November 1966 Major Hawkins was notified that the battalion commander and the battalion operations officer had been injured in a crash while supporting combat operations near Dau Tiong. He immediately formed a staff and proceeded to the operational area to assume command of the battalion and initiate plans for a combat assault. As the attack began, Major Hawkins exhibited daring courage in leading the flight without the protection of armed helicopters so he could mark the landing zone. Although intelligence reports indicated heavy Viet Cong fortifications around the objective, he exposed his aircraft to intense ground fire in order to accomplish his mission. While directing the operation with the ground commander aboard, his aircraft suffered bullet damage, resulting in the complete loss of aircraft communications and wounding the ground commander’s radio operator. Major Hawkins continued to operate with the use of a portable radio and evacuated the wounded to a medical facility. His keen insight into the tactical operation and responsiveness to emergency conditions enabled the ground commander to re-position over 2500 troops in subsequent assaults. Throughout the operation, he demonstrated outstanding flying ability, sound judgment, and extreme devotion to duty. Major Hawkins’ actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, and 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.