The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Raymond A. Kerns (ASN: W-3155916), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop A, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Warrant Officer Kerns distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 September 1967 as a pilot on an armed reconnaissance mission in Binh Thuan Province. Mister Kerns was diverted from his mission to assist a platoon heavily engaged by a Viet Cong force firing automatic weapons and small arms. As he made a low-level pass over the battle area, his ship received intense fire from a treeline. Ignoring the vulnerability of his scout helicopter, he launched a devastating attack on one enemy position and suppressed its weapons with deadly accurate fire. As he hovered over the silenced position to assess the damage, his ship received heavy fire from two more emplacements. Disregarding his safety, he remained in position and executed a series of turns that enabled his gunner to engage and kill the attackers. The friendly infantry began an assault on the enemy and was brought under heavy fire. Mister Kerns again attacked the Viet Cong, forcing them to break cover and run in the face of the infantry’s pursuit. He inflicted heavy casualties to the insurgents as they tried to escape. Two fleeing enemy soldiers took refuge in some brush and Mister Kerns hovered over their position until they surrendered to the friendly ground forces. His fearless actions in the heat of battle contributed greatly to the decisive defeat inflicted on the Viet Cong. Warrant Officer Kerns’ extraordinary heroism 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.