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 Captain (Armor) Theodore A. Duck (ASN: OF-103884), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 27 December 1968, while serving as a helicopter pilot with 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a low-level visual reconnaissance, Captain Duck’s aircraft suddenly received intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from three well-concealed enemy positions. During the initial burst of fire, Captain Duck’s aircraft received a number of direct hits, causing it to plummet toward earth. After a frantic effort, he managed to regain control of the helicopter, but instead of withdrawing, he continued to reconnoiter the area. Upon locating the enemy position, Captain Duck radioed for helicopter gunships and fearlessly maneuvered through a deluge of fire to expertly mark the hostile positions with smoke grenades. His courage and professional ability were instrumental in the complete destruction of the hostile emplacement and its occupants. Captain Duck’s unwavering devotion to duty, complete disregard of personal safety and personal bravery 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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Armor) Theodore A. Duck (ASN: OF-103884), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 9 August 1969, while serving as the Operations Officer of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Captain Duck was supervising a reconnaissance of a B-52 strike west of An Loc when he observed several North Vietnamese Army soldiers below. Captain Duck immediately requested Cobra gunships to reinforce the small reconnaissance team flying above the area. He then coordinated for artillery strikes and called in a psychological operations team in an attempt to coax some of the enemy into surrendering. After completely surveying the area, he decided that the Aero Rifle Squad should be inserted. As the insertion was made, Captain Duck flew his command ship at dangerously low levels over the enemy positions, directing effective suppressive fire on the hostile emplacements. As the squad returned to the landing zone with six captives, Captain Duck engaged two more enemy soldiers, killing them instantly. When large enemy forces were seen nearby he supervised the extraction of the friendly squad from the hazardous area. Captain Duck’s courageous leadership 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.