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 Fifth Class David A. Dvorchak, Jr. (ASN: RA-52854596), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 4 March 1969, while serving as a helicopter crew chief with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, during a reconnaissance mission, the pilot of Specialist Dvorchak’s aircraft spotted a well-concealed, heavily-fortified enemy base camp. Disregarding the possibility of return fire, Specialist Dvorchak leaned out of the aircraft to place suppressive fire on the hostile positions and mark them with smoke grenades for helicopter gunships and advancing ground troops. On three occasions when the helicopter attempted to evacuate several friendly soldiers wounded in fierce ground fighting, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he guided his pilot into an extremely small and hazardous landing zone. On the third unsuccessful attempt, the engine of the helicopter received several direct hits and lost power. Reacting calmly but quickly to the potentially disastrous situation, Specialist Dvorchak shut the fuel and battery off and locked both his and the pilot’s safety harnesses, thus enabling the two men to walk away from the ensuing crash without injury. Specialist Fifth Class Dvorchak’s outstanding courage and quick thinking were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.