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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Gerald C. Strange, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 7 September 1969 while serving as a pilot with the Aviation Section, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Warrant Officer Strange was piloting the helicopter for the squadron operations officer when elements of the squadron became engaged in heavy contact with a large enemy force. Upon flying to the contact, the craft came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire. Warrant Officer Strange maneuvered his ship through the hostile fire without incurring any damage and still provided the best positions for the commander to observe the action by making low level passes over the fighting. Warrant Officer Strange’s 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.