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 Two (CW-2) Carl S. Hess, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Hess distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 3 January 1968 while serving as a pilot of a CH-47 armed helicopter during a combat support mission near DaNang, Republic of Vietnam. While flying at a low altitude over enemy controlled terrain, Chief Warrant Officer Hess’ aircraft became the target of intense hostile ground fire and received several damaging hits which necessitated him to make a forced landing. Immediately after impact, Chief Warrant Officer Hess assisted in the evacuation of all personnel from the burning helicopter. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are 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 Two (CW-2) Carl S. Hess, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Hess distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 3 February 1968, while serving as an Aircraft Commander of a CH-47 helicopter during a tactical emergency mission in the Republic of Vietnam. While providing support to the ground elements, Warrant Officer Hess constantly exposed himself to the ground fire, as he flew over enemy emplacements. Due to adverse weather conditions, Warrant Officer Hess had to fly at low altitudes with limited visibility. At one point, helicopter grenade traps were encountered, but Warrant Officer Hess successfully negotiated all obstacles and safely delivered the team. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are 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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Carl S. Hess, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Hess distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 14 May 1968, while serving as an Aircraft Commander during a supply mission in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. While approaching a landing zone, Chief Warrant Officer Hess’ helicopter lost the use of one of its engines. Chief Warrant Officer Hess made a safe landing with one engine and, while he was waiting for a repair crew, enemy mortar rounds started impacting in the area. Realizing his aircraft would be destroyed in its location, he flew it to a safe area with the one good engine. His actions contributed greatly to the successful completion of his unit’s mission. Chief Warrant Officer Hess’ outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.