The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain Frederick L. Spaulding, United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Assistant Operating Officer, Headquarters Company, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during the withdrawal of Fire Support Base RIPCORD in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam on 23 July 1970. Captain Spaulding, voluntarily left Camp Evans to provide direct aid to the besieged Fire Support Base and to the two Companies awaiting extraction. He then took command of a Scout helicopter and joined the battle to locate, mark and direct fire from all available land and air assets against enemy positions. While taking intense fire, Captain Spaulding directly exposed himself to enemy fire while marking enemy positions with smoke grenades and coordinating with multiple fire teams resulting in accurate and devastating results. Once the grenades were exhausted, Captain Spaulding and his pilot were able to maneuver the crippled aircraft back to Camp Evans. When the pilot refused to continue the mission, Captain Spaulding procured a second helicopter. The second aircraft was subsequently damaged by enemy fire, as was the third helicopter that Captain Spaulding obtained. In a fourth helicopter, Captain Spaulding returned to the area of operations to continue the evacuation of the two besieged companies by continuing to draw fire upon himself and the aircraft. Captain Spaulding’s daring acts of bravery and courage in the face of overwhelming and determined enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.