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 Warrant Officer Donald T. Thompson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer Thompson distinguished himself by heroism in action on 16 February 1967, while serving as co-pilot of the command and control helicopter of the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry during an engagement with a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Thompson, with complete disregard for his own safety, voluntarily piloted his aircraft into an area under intense enemy fire to evacuate several wounded personnel. While lifting off with the wounded, the aircraft was hit by enemy small arms fire which damaged the hydraulic system and caused the aircraft to go out of control. Warrant Officer Thompson’s outstanding flying ability enabled him to assist the pilot in nursing the damaged helicopter out of the immediate contact area, and he subsequently crash landed the aircraft on a small landing zone in such a manner that no additional injuries were sustained by the crew or wounded passengers. Warrant Officer Thompson’s action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services, and reflects 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 Warrant Officer Donald T. Thompson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism and gallantry while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer Thompson distinguished himself by heroism in action on 4 October 1967, while serving as an aircraft commander of a command and control helicopter during a combat support mission in the Republic of Vietnam. Flying in deteriorating weather conditions, Warrant Officer Thompson flew his aircraft to a hazardous landing zone to evacuate the crew members of two downed helicopters. Upon landing, his aircraft came under intense hostile sniper fire, but Warrant Officer Thompson remained in the area for a sustained period of time until the crew members were safely loaded aboard his helicopter. Warrant Officer Thompson’s display of personal bravery and outstanding flying ability is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects 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 Warrant Officer Donald T. Thompson, 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. Warrant Officer Thompson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 27 October 1967, while serving as an aircraft commander of a command and control helicopter during a combat support mission near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. Detecting an enemy anti-aircraft weapons position, Warrant Officer Thompson exposed himself to the enemy fire as he made repeated low level passes over the hostile bunkers to mark them for an infantry unit. He remained over the contact area for an extended period of time until his mission was completed. Warrant Officer Thompson’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.