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 R. Smolinske, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-1190 Flight Engineer near Thanh Phu City in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, on the night of 26 March 1970. On that date, while flying an armed reconnaissance mission, Sergeant Smolinske’s aircraft encountered a large hostile force attempting to infiltrate into the Republic of Vietnam. Despite great personal danger from anti-aircraft fire and violent aircraft maneuvers, Sergeant Smolinske maintained optimum power settings enabling the gunship to maintain constant firepower on the hostile force. His efforts were successful in halting the infiltration and inflicting heavy casualties. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Smolinske reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.