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Award - Westley Franklin Walker

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Distinguished Service Cross

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant Wesley Franklin Walker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as Pilot of a Light Observation Helicopter in Troop F, 4th Air Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, on a voluntary rescue mission behind enemy lines north of Quang Tri City, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 July 1972. Lieutenant Walker was serving as the wingman of a Scout Team on an emergency rescue mission when he and his Team Leader were engaged by extremely intense small arms, automatic weapons, 23-mm. and 37-mm. anti-aircraft fires, and heat seeking missiles. In spite of the intensity and ferocity of the hostile fire, he continued his flight, constantly returning fire for fire with deadly accuracy covering his Team Leader and assisting him in the search for the downed American crew. After the survivors were located in a bomb crater, he flew to their position laying down extremely accurate suppressive fire, landed and picked up three of the survivors. Although his aircraft was greatly overloaded with the additional weight, he skillfully utilized every remaining ounce of power in his straining engine and departed the area. First Lieutenant Walker was responsible for the rescue of five American air crewmen and one Vietnamese Marine, all of whom were severely burned or wounded, and prevented their certain capture or death at the hands of the enemy. Lieutenant Walker's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, were in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.