Pilot’s D.F.C. For Action In Vietnam

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32274, 17 April 1970, Page 1

Pilot’s D.F.C. For Action In Vietnam

The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flying Officer Trevor Keith Butler, of Morrinsville, for gallantry and distinguished service during an action in Vietnam last May.

This was announced in Wellington yesterday by the Governor-General (Sir Arthur Porritt).

Flying Officer Butler is at present on a flying instructors’ course at the R.N.Z.A.F. base, Wigram. He becomes the second Air Force officer to receive the D.F.C. for action in Vietnam and only the fifth recipient of the award since the Second World War.

The citation accompanying the award says that on May 7, 1969, while leading a helicopter heavy-fire team in support of a company of South Vietnamese troops which was in heavy contact with a super-

ior enemy and in danger of being overrun, Flying Officer Butler “despite heavy retaliatory fire, and with great courage and determination, led his flight into an accurate and decisive attack on the enemy position, killing seven of the enemy during the action. “During his tour Flying Officer Butler took part in many long-range air reconnaissance patrols and many medical evacuation flights. His actions on these occasions, often in the face of strong enemy opposition, were exemplary and in keeping with the finest traditions of the service.”

Flying Officer Butler joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in January, 1965. After completing his pilot course at Wigram in June, 1966, he underwent basic helicopter training followed by operational training on helicopters at No. 3 Battlefield Support Squadron, a unit of the R.N.Z.A.F. Transport Wing, based at Auckland.

He served in Vietnam with No. 9 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force, which he joined in October, 1968. After completing an operational tour with this squadron he returned to New Zealand last November.