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 Specialist Fourth Class Richard A. Foht (ASN: US-51775371), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 13 November 1968 while serving as a helicopter gunner with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, in the vicinity of An Loc, elements of the 1st Squadron suddenly became engaged in a fierce fire fight with a large enemy force. When ammunition had to be re-supplied, Specialist Foht helped load his aircraft with mortar rounds, manned his gunner position and proceeded from Quan Loi to the heavily engaged troops. Upon approaching the extremely narrow landing zone, the aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire and Specialist Foht immediately began directing highly accurate suppressive fire into the hostile positions. When the aircraft descended into the landing zone, the crewmen realized that the narrowness of the landing zone and the overloaded state of the aircraft made it impossible to climb out again. Losing power, the helicopter touched down in a controlled crash landing only through the immediate and professional reactions of the pilot and aircraft commander. Completely exposed to the intense enemy fire, Specialist Foht continued to direct his machine gun fire upon the hostile forces while the aircraft was unloaded. Due to its lightened load the aircraft was able to take off and return to Quan Loi. On three more occasions during the next two hours, Specialist Foht made re-supply runs into the battle area. Specialist Foht’s courage and professional ability contributed greatly to the successful re-supplying of the friendly force. Specialist Fourth Class Foht’s unwavering devotion to duty and heroic acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.