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 Sergeant Jessie Carroll Spruiell, United States Air Force, for Sergeant Jessie C. Spruiell distinguished himself by heroism while participating in serial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Aerial Gunner near Duc Co, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 February 1969. On that date, Sergeant Spruiell and his crew braved hostile ground fire to rescue a six man long range reconnaissance patrol which was being pursued by a large hostile force. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Spruiell stationed himself on the skids of his helicopter and fired his machine gun into the attacking force with such accuracy that the hostile pursuit was broken, and the entire patrol was rescued. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Spruiell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.