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 Captain Kevin K. Lynch, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Lynch distinguished himself by exceptional valorous actions on 12 June 1969 while serving as Aircraft Commander with Company A, 9th Aviation Battalion, on a raid mission west of Dong Tam Base. While flying to insert a ranger team in a area of known enemy activity, the aircraft came under intense hostile fire and in a matter of seconds took 26 hits. Gas was leaking into the ship, and the hydraulic system was inoperative. Captain Lynch, displaying great calmness under pressure, expertly guided the ship away from the enemy area and made an emergency landing without further incident. His courageous expertise was responsible for the saving of many lives, for had the ship gone down in the area of hostile fire, all would have been lost. Captain Lynch’s outstanding flying ability, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division 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 First Lieutenant Kevin K. Lynch, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Lynch distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 January 1969 while serving as a Pilot with Company A, 9th Aviation Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, on a mission to extract a small friendly patrol from an enemy encirclement. Upon learning that the patrol had sustained several casualties and was in danger of being overrun, First Lieutenant Lynch courageously flew to the area and braved intense hostile fire to land. He calmly remained on the ground until all of the men were on his craft, although he was continuously subjected to a hail of enemy rounds. First Lieutenant Lynch’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.