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 Specialist Douglas H. Hawkings, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Specialist Four Hawkings distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a crew chief on a helicopter gunship involved in operations in support of an Allied division. His gunship was providing an armed escort for the initial flight of troop insertions into a new landing zone. As the flight lead ship entered the landing zone it began receiving heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. The lead ship immediately began suppressing fire on the north side of the aircraft on final approach. His gunship made an evasive turn to the left and began receiving intense enemy fire. He identified the enemy position and immediately began suppressing it with his machine gun, at the same time advising his aircraft commander of the best direction to turn. During the second evasive turn he placed a barrage of accurate machine gun fire on the enemy position thereby rendering it useless. His sound judgment and his desire to protect others were directly responsible for the mission’s success. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.