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) Melvin K. Strickland (ASN: W-3152686), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Strickland distinguished himself by valorous actions on 21 July 1967, while serving as Fire Team Leader aboard a UH-1C helicopter of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, during an aerial support mission covering a convoy. Observing the convoy come under withering attack from an estimated battalion of Viet Cong, Warrant Officer Strickland immediately alerted his gunships and swooped low over the enemy, delivering a devastating barrage of highly accurate fire. As Warrant Officer Strickland ascended prior to another firing pass, his aircraft received several hits. Undaunted, he fearlessly executed two more firing passes and, as he circled for a fourth pass, a hydraulic system and fuel cell ruptured. Despite the damage, which had also rendered some of his weapons inoperable, Warrant Officer Strickland valiantly made another pass. This time the Viet Cong shot away much of the bottom of the aircraft, allowing fuel to gush freely. Warrant Officer Strickland immediately affected emergency procedures, regained control of the wildly gyrating aircraft, and slowly descended. He quickly ordered his gunners to set up a tight perimeter around the helicopter until a reaction force arrived to relieve the crew. Chief Warrant Officer Strickland’s outstanding flying ability, extreme courage, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.