The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher C. Palumbo, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot with Company A, 3d Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Combined Joint Task Force 76, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 11 April 2005 in Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo while supporting a quick reaction force which was being engaged by enemy forces, expertly and decisively spotted targets and placed his helicopter in positions from which his crew could effectively neutralize the enemy. When a ground element was being overrun by the enemy. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo brought his helicopter onto the gunfight and at extremely low altitude allowed his gunners to engage targets. When one gunner was out of ammunition. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo rotated his helicopter allowing one gunner to engage while the other reloaded his weapon, therefore providing continuous suppressive fire. Despite numerous attempts to exfiltrate friendly elements. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo made the decision to pull out of the area due to significant damage to his helicopter and a wounded crewmember. His decisive and quick response resulted in the defeat of a significant enemy force without the loss of any United States military personnel. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Task Force 76, and the United States Army.