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 Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2) Audra R. Stern, Jr. (ASN: W-3154090), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 27 April 1969 while serving as a helicopter pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was flying in support of ground troops moving through dense jungle, the friendly elements suddenly came under automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire from a well-concealed enemy force. Disregarding the intense hostile antiaircraft fire, Warrant Officer Stern began circling the enemy positions to cover them with suppressive fire and to allow the aircraft commander to mark them with smoke grenades. When a friendly observation helicopter was downed by hostile fire Warrant Officer Stern unhesitatingly landed his aircraft in the contact area in order to search for survivors of the crash. Upon finding that the entire crew had been fatally injured, he returned to the air to continue making low level assaults on the hostile positions and to allow the aircraft commander to direct supporting fire. In spite of the intense enemy fire, Warrant Officer Stern remained in the area providing support for four hours until the hostile force was defeated. Chief Warrant Officer Stern’s outstanding courage and deep concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.