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 (Field Artillery) Neil I. Leva (ASN: 0-81479), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 6 February 1968. Major Leva distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an unarmed helicopter on a recovery mission to evacuate a helicopter shot down by enemy fire. The downed helicopter was located outside the perimeter of a firebase and was under fire by the enemy. He unhesitatingly landed in close proximity to the downed aircraft and went to it in order to determine whether it was capable of flying out. Immediately, he and his crew were fired upon by enemy mortars. He continued to check the aircraft and determined it to be capable of flying. He returned to his helicopter and took off. After directing armed helicopters onto the enemy mortar positions, he landed again by the downed aircraft. After completing the necessary preparations for the aircraft’s flight under enemy mortar fire, he waved the pilot off and returned to his ship. Despite damage by enemy fire, the downed aircraft was saved as he also flew out of the area under fire after accomplishing his mission successfully. His heroic 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.