The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) George M. Ronyak (ASN: W-3155690), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 June 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Ronyak distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter on a mission to locate a friendly troop who had become separated from his patrol during an extraction deep inside hostile territory west of Dak To. When one of the aircraft spotted the lost team member inside a deep jungle ravine, Chief Warrant Officer Ronyak volunteered to remain on station to cover an extraction attempt, despite intense enemy fire and rapidly deteriorating weather. He orbited inside the confines of the ravine in order to give the rescue ship maximum coverage, and warded off onrushing enemy soldiers until the rescue aircraft was safely out of the area. Through his courage and sound judgment, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. 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.