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 Major (Infantry) Richard H. Kamerling (ASN: 0-89974), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Major Kamerling distinguished himself when he reacted to a report that a company size unit of Viet Cong was in an uninhabited coastal village preparing for an attack on two nearby friendly hamlets. Under the illumination provided by flares, he located the enemy force and attacked the Viet Cong with his wing mounted M-60 machine gun and 2.75-inch rockets. As the flare light faded, the enemy began to move their dead and wounded toward the beach. He pursued them using his landing light and machine gun, forcing them to seek refuge in the coastal village from which they had come. Although under heavy enemy ground fire he continued to fly at low level in close proximity to the village until a flight of tactical fighters could arrive over the target. As a result of his courageous actions, two friendly hamlets were safeguarded from attack. His 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.