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 Warrant Officer Kenneth B. McNeel, United States Army, for heroism involving aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 May 1969. Warrant Officer McNeel distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G gunship performing a troop support mission in the A Shau Valley, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer McNeel, flying dangerously low and slowly through intense enemy fire, located the scattered friendly elements. He then proceeded to place his ordnance precisely on the enemy targets. He fired point blank into the enemy positions in order to insure the accuracy of his ordnance since the enemy force was extremely close to the friendly elements. His precision shooting and professional flying ability enabled the ground unit to withdraw with its wounded men and regroup its personnel. Warrant Officer McNeel’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.