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 Corporal Peter J. Maciel (ASN: RA-17679614), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Corporal Maciel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 August 1966 while serving as gunner on an armed helicopter flying in support of Vietnamese combat operations near Xom Huong Viet Can. While flying strafing runs over extended Viet Cong troops, Corporal Maciel so effectively fired on their positions that he drove them back from the line of contact. The Vietnamese force advanced, but detonated a hidden mine which wounded many men and threw the force into confusion. Corporal Maciel’s helicopter immediately flew into their midst to protect them from a renewed hostile assault until they could regain order. He remained at his gun mount, exposed to the intense fire, to suppress the Viet Cong movements 100 meters away. When the helicopter landed, he left it and risked setting off hidden mines to carry wounded soldiers to the aircraft. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Corporal Maciel repeatedly entered the mined field until all of the wounded were loaded aboard the aircraft. In combat and in rescue, he undoubtedly saved the lives of many men. Corporal Maciel’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.