The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major William D. Eastman, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 21 December 1970. On that date, Major Eastman flew an extremely hazardous mission in order to rescue two American pilots who had been downed deep within hostile territory. Although his aircraft received ground fire on the way into the survivors’ location, Major Eastman elected to continue the effort. During the entire recovery phase his helicopter was under intense hostile ground fire from all directions, however, Major Eastman held a stable hover over the survivors’ positions until they were hoisted safely aboard. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Eastman reflect great credit upon himself and the United /States Air Force.