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 One (WO-1) Howard T. Comer (ASN: W-3155218), 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 Comer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 2 November 1967, while serving as an aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during a combat mission near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. When an infantry unit became pinned down by intense hostile fire, Warrant Officer Comer exposed himself to the enemy ground fire as he made repeated low level attacks against the hostile emplacements. Experiencing aircraft difficulties, Warrant Officer Comer secured another helicopter and returned to continue his effective attacks on the enemy positions. His action enabled the ground unit to regroup and successfully maneuver against the enemy. Warrant Officer Comer’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are 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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Howard T. Comer (ASN: W-3155218), 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. Second Lieutenant Comer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 24 February 1968, while serving as a pilot of a UH-1B armed helicopter, during a combat mission near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. When an infantry unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and was in need of air support, Lieutenant Comer volunteered for the hazardous assignment. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Comer exposed himself to the enemy ground fire as he flew at a low altitude over the hostile positions to place accurate suppressive fire on the insurgents’ emplacements. Although his aircraft drew intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Comer was able to neutralize the enemy positions. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.