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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Armor) Robin K. Wetzler, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the all of duty on 11 May 1969 while serving as commander of a helicopter gunship with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was flying in support of one of the regiment’s units, the friendly troops came under heavy automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire from a large enemy force. After pinpointing the hostile positions, Lieutenant Wetzler began making low level assaults to deliver accurate mini-gun and rocket fire. Each time he broke from his strafing runs, the enemy directed intense automatic weapons fire toward his aircraft. Nevertheless, he continued to place devastating fire on the hostile emplacements until the enemy had broken contact and he had expended 350 aerial rockets and over 21,000 rounds of mini-gun ammunition. First Lieutenant Wetzler’s outstanding courage and determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1969
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2985 (October 22, 1969), Amended by G.O. 3711 (November 2, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Armor) Robin K. Wetzler, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 10 July 1969 while serving as flight commander of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Wetzler flew in support of elements of the 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, with another ship. Despite the intensive hostile fire and extremely poor flying conditions, he made repeated low passes, returning effective suppressive fire into the enemy positions until his ammunition had been expended. L Knowing that the accompanying winged ship’s pilot lacked experience he continued to direct fire by making precariously low passes showing the other aircraft what was to be done. He maintained this posture until the other ship’s ammunition had also been expended. While leading the airplane through the thick fog back to their home base, Lieutenant Wetzler crashed and was killed. First Lieutenant Wetzler’s concern for the welfare of his fellow comrades and complete disregard for his safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.