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 Captain (Infantry) Richard S. Jarrett, United States Army, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 August 1964. As a pilot of Army aircraft, Captain Jarrett was participating in a reconnaissance mission in support of Vietnamese military operations when his ship was hit by enemy gunfire. One of the penetrating rounds of the enemy automatic fifty caliber machine gun shattered the aircraft’s windshield, several instruments, and pierced the rocket sight mount before it struck and mortally wounded the Aircraft Commander. Although Captain Jarrett sustained a painful arm wound from flying metal and heavy Plexiglas fragments during this initial attack, he immediately took the controls from the Commander who had fallen on the cyclic stick, and began a sharp climb into the overcast to avoid the onslaught of enemy gunfire. Simultaneously he shouted directions to the crew chief and gunner to pull the Aircraft Commander from his seat and administer first aid to him. Throughout this hazardous descent for almost five minutes in solid overcast, he displayed unique flying skill, fortitude, and determination, and succeeded in breaking out into clear skies. After efficiently directing the crew chief to monitor the standby compass as the gyrocompass had been shot, he called ahead for an ambulance to meet his ship at the hospital helipad. Captain Jarrett’s heroic conduct, sound judgment, and outstanding flying ability during this dangerous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.