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 First Lieutenant (Transportation Corps) William H. Hinds (ASN: 0-5203982), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 57th Transportation Company (Light Helicopter), on 23 March 1962, in the vicinity of MeKong River Delta Area, Vietnam. As a pilot of an H-21 helicopter, Lieutenant Hinds was participating in a combat support mission when another helicopter involved in the mission suffered an engine failure in the midst of a firefight. The disabled aircraft was downed in hostile territory and subjected to intense ground fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Hinds unhesitatingly and skillfully landed the aircraft beside the stricken helicopter and quickly evacuated the crew members. When it was later discovered that the crew chief of the downed aircraft had not boarded the rescue craft and was still in the contested zone, he immediately returned to the area, which was still under fire, to rescue the stranded crew member. Lieutenant Hinds’ sound judgment, professional competence, and outstanding performance of duty in the face of grave danger reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.