In the, name of the president of the United States, the
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific takes plea-
sure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

FIRST LIEUTENANT THOMAS, .WILLIAM, KIRBY

UNITED STATES MARINE , CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following 
    
       CITATION:
                "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerlial f1ight while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Marine Med- ium Helicopter Squadron 364 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Viet-  nam on 28 March, 1966. On two seprate sorties, First lieutenant KIRBY flew his aircraft into the enemy dominated area northwest  of the city of Quang Ngai to effect the emergency medical evac-uation of twenty-five wounded Vietnamese soldiers and deliver a load of badly needed ammunition to defending friendly forces.       On both approaches heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire was received.  By quick reaction to the situation and skillful maneuvering of his aircraft, he landed both times with minimal damage to his aircraft and without casualties among his crew.         As a result of his exceptional courage and professional skill,           the last of the wounded were evacuated  from the landing zone      and the desperately needed ammuntion was delivered.  First Lieutenant KIRBY's heroic conduct throughout this action was       in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."                                           

         FOR THE PRESIDENT

                                     A. R. KIER
                                     MAJOR GENERAL. U. S. MARINE CORPS
                                      ACTING COMMANDING GENERAL