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 Technical Sergeant Charles D. Severns, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Flight Engineer of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 1 April 1969. On that date, Sergeant Severns visually sighted two downed United States Air Force pilots and although it was a known hostile area and the helicopter was operating at maximum performance limits, he calmly and precisely directed his aircraft to a motionless hover over each pilot in turn and quickly and safely raised each man through the heavy jungle canopy into the stationary helicopter. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Severns reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.