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 Captain (Medical Service Corps) Henry A. Mayer, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight 3 miles west of Di Linh on the morning of 24 February 1967. During the morning of 24 February 1967 a dug-in and camouflaged enemy force estimated to number 700 troops had ambushed and fragmented two companies of ARVN troops, who withdrew in confusion with their leaders all killed. The enemy then retired to their prepared positions and managed to remain undetected throughout most of the day. Later in the afternoon a Forward Air Controller flying an O-1E discovered the hidden force and exposed them. In the ensuing firefight several of the participating aircraft were damaged. One aircraft was shot down, crashing 450 meters in front of the enemy position on a tea plantation, and the Forward Air Controller was wounded. He was extracted from the wreckage and pulled back another hundred meters before ground rescuers were pinned down by enemy fire. When two gunships on the scene ran out of ammunition they attempted to pick up the wounded. Both gunships were hit severely by enemy gunfire and forced to withdraw. At this time Captain Mayer was directed into the area to make the rescue. Captain Mayer flew his UH-1B into the wreckage area and suffered several hits while he and his crew attempted to spot the wounded Forward Air Controller and his rescuers among the thick rows of tea bushes. He was forced to withdraw by intense ground fire. Captain Mayer then came in straight down the rays of the setting sun toward the enemy so they would have difficulty seeing him. He skillfully kept himself between the sun and the enemy, and, in spite of an unfavorable wind on his approach, he made an expeditious and successful pickup. Again, this was done under heavy fire and in the face of five previous unsuccessful attempts by his and other aircraft, which attests to Captain Mayer’s intrepidity, bravery, heroism, and flying skill. His outstanding performance reflects great credit upon himself in the military service.