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 Captain Dennis O. Urick, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in Laos. Captain Urick distinguished himself on 17 March 1971 while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H utility helicopter during combat operations in support of troops of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in Laos. When allied troops came in contact with a numerically superior enemy force and requested extraction, Captain Urick volunteered for the mission. While holding an orbit over the extraction site, Captain Urick directed aerial rocket fire on the enemy. Coming under hostile fire, his observer was wounded and his aircraft sustained severe damage. After informing the operations center of his situation, he withdrew from the contact area. He skillfully piloted his damaged aircraft to the nearest medical aid station in order for his observer to receive medical attention. Captain Urick’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Dennis O. Urick, 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. Lieutenant Urick distinguished himself on 31 August 1970 while serving as pilot of a UH-1H helicopter during a mission to protect a downed light observation helicopter in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. Upon arriving at the downed aircraft’s position, Lieutenant Urick inserted part of a security force into the area, but was forced away by intense enemy rocket-propelled grenade fire before the insertion was completed. During the subsequent extraction, which required the use of ladders, Lieutenant Urick directed suppressive fire by accompanying armed helicopters and his crew on the enemy positions. While departing the contact area, he monitored engine power for the aircraft commander and insured that the ladders remained clear of trees. Lieutenant Urick’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services 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 Captain Dennis O. Urick, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in Laos. Captain Urick distinguished himself on 7 February 1971 while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H lift helicopter during an emergency extraction of downed helicopter crewmen in Laos. During the insertion of Army of the Republic of Vietnam ground troops into the area to provide security, Captain Urick’s aircraft received intense anti-aircraft fire Despite the hostile fire, Captain Urick maneuvered his aircraft into a bomb crater used as a landing zone and safely inserted and extracted the security troops. His actions insured effective security around the downed helicopter and the successful rescue of the crew members Captain Urick’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.