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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Stephen Eldridge, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 20 January 1970 while serving as a pilot with the Aero Scout Platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Eldridge volunteered to conduct a reconnaissance mission over an area of heavy enemy contact. In spite of the heavy smoke and intense anti-aircraft fire which had already downed one helicopter, Warrant Officer Eldridge volunteered to fly at tree top level in order to report enemy activity to the waiting helicopter gunships. Suddenly, Warrant Officer Eldridge’s ship was engaged by intense enemy fire. In spite of the serious wounds he sustained from the initial burst of fire, Warrant Officer Eldridge flew directly into the enemy fire, placing accurate counter-fire on the enemy position and marking the target with a smoke grenade. Warrant Officer Eldridge remained over the enemy, marking positions and destroying two more enemy emplacements before being forced to return to a safe landing place. Warrant Officer Eldridge’s 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.