The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Aviation) Jerry James Boyington (ASN: 0-5321381), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 25th Aviation Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Boyington distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 August 1968 as commander of a smoke screening helicopter in support of combat assault operations near the town of Bau Trau. A flight of troop-carrying helicopters approaching a landing zone came under intense hostile fire from an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese forces, which included an anti-aircraft company. Captain Boyington fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft between the troop ships and the enemy fusillade to lay screening smoke for the unarmed aircraft. Disregarding his safety, he placed the smoke screen to within meters of the hostile positions, and by flying at point blank range, drew the deadly fire away from the troop-laden aircraft. He continued to protect the landing troops until the murderous barrage damaged his helicopter, forcing him to break contact. Captain Boyington’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.