By Direction

of the

President of the United States

the

Distinguished Service Cross

Is Awarded 

to

Patrick L. Haley

(Posthumously)

Rank and Organization:  Captain, A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date and Place:  2 October 1966, Republic of Vietnam

Reason:  For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  Captain (then First Lieutenant) Haley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 October 1966 while serving as pilot of an armed command helicopter during an aerial attack on Viet Cong forces escaping the Ngot Bay area.  Completely disregarding intense hostile fire, Captain Haley flew for one hour at very low altitudes in an attempt to locate and fix hostile targets.  He dauntlessly remained at the most critical points of combat, never permitting the enemy to pin down friendly ground elements.  When a friendly squad received intense Viet Cong fire and refused to retreat because of a casualty lying in an exposed position, Captain Hale unhesitatingly flew between the opposing forces to divert the hostile barrage.  Although his ammunition was expended, he persuaded the friendly element to withdraw, then landed and picked up the wounded man.  His helicopter was severely damaged by enemy fire while on the ground, but he was able to fly the casualty 150 meters to a safe zone.  His heroic actions were highly instrumental in killing 320 Viet Cong and the saving of many American lives.  Captain Haley's extraordinary heroism 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.