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 William D. Horn, United States Air Force, for heroism to Major William D. Horn while participating in aerial flight as an Pilot CH-3E helicopter at a classified location in Southeast Asia on 3 December 1969. On that date, Major Horn overcame intense hostile ground fire and extremely marginal weather to rescue a six-man Long Range Reconnaissance Team, which had suffered one wounded and was under aggressive attack by hostile forces. Major Horn hovered his helicopter within fifty yards of the hostile gun positions under intense ground fire as the beleaguered team climbed the rope ladder to board the helicopter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Horn reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.