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 One (WO-1) Frederick R. Neidhardt, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 30 November 1966, while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Neidhardt was flying in support of a long range reconnaissance patrol which had become engaged with a numerically superior Viet Cong force. Warrant Officer Neidhardt flew his unarmed utility helicopter toward the patrol to initiate extraction procedures. His aircraft was immediately subjected to intense hostile ground fire as he entered the patrol’s vicinity. Because of the thick jungle canopy, there were no suitable landing zones available. Warrant Officer Neidhardt knew the extraction had to be made by a rope ladder. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Warrant Officer Neidhardt hovered over the area as the soldiers began their climb up the ladder. One of the patrol members was unable to complete the climb to the aircraft. Warrant Officer Neidhardt instructed him to grasp onto the midsection of the swaying ladder and then ascended vertically to clear the tree tops and flew at a reduced speed until he could safely lower the man to the ground. Warrant Officer Neidhardt was constantly exposed to the insurgent ground fire in his efforts to safely extract the patrol. His bold initiative, professional flying skill, and calm demeanor significantly contributed to the successful completion of the mission and undoubtedly saved the lives of the patrol members. Warrant Officer Neidhardt’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.