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 Captain Boyce A. Cates for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Cates distinguished himself on 19 April 1967, while serving as a fixed wing aviator in support of Detachment A-416, 5^th Special Forces Group on a search and destroy operation in Kien Toung Province, Republic of Viet Nam. When he learned that a Vietnamese company and their American Advisor were pinned down by an enemy force, he sought out the enemy locations and attacked and suppressed the enemy. When the friendly troops were in blocking positions he once again made several rocket firing passes on the Viet Cong Forces. He held his dives until almost point blank range in order to bring accurate fire on the enemy although exposing himself to small arms fire and automatic weapons fire. Due to his courageous actions a large friendly force was saved and 35 Viet Cong were killed. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Captain McGraw’s professional competence and courageous actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

General Orders: : Headquarters, 1^st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 3932 (July 5, 1967)

Action Date: 19 April 1967

Service: Army

Rank: Captain