The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Armor) Michael Huff, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 12 May 1970 while serving as Aircraft Commander with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date elements of Troop B encountered an estimated squad of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Three men had sustained wounds and were in need of medical evacuation. An evacuation helicopter was in the area but refused to make the extraction when it learned that there were no gunships in the vicinity to support it. Lieutenant Huff had monitored the radio message and volunteered to make the rescue. As he lowered his aircraft into the landing zone they began to receive small arms rocket propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire from the insurgents. He adeptly landed the craft, picked up the wounded personnel and flew to the field hospital where medical attention was waiting. First Lieutenant Huff’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.



