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 (Infantry) Thomas P. Stempky (ASN: 0-5334475), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company on 21 November 1968. First Lieutenant Stempky distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed UH-1C helicopter during the recovery of a UH-1H helicopter shot down by enemy fire. As a recovery force was being lowered into the trees by rope from a UH-1H helicopter, it received enemy automatic weapons fire. Lieutenant Stempky accurately placed rockets upon the enemy positions and maneuvered to divert enemy fire away from the hovering UH-1H. When the recovery force had been successfully inserted, he bravely continued to fly low level to locate enemy positions and divert fire away from the recovery force. Through his intrepid aerial tactics, Lieutenant Stempky contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) Thomas P. Stempky (ASN: 0-5334475), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 December 1968. Captain Stempky distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander and Flight Leader of an armed helicopter light fire team providing air cover for the extraction of a five man patrol, in contact with a large enemy force. Although receiving heavy automatic and .50 caliber fire, he made repeated firing passes against the enemy positions. When the rescue aircraft started its approach to pick up the five men, Captain Stempky flew his aircraft between the extraction site and the enemy, thus drawing the enemy fire away from the unarmed rescue aircraft. By this time his aircraft had taken three hits from enemy small arms fire, and systems failure warning lights came on, indicating probable damage to vital systems. Disregarding this new danger, he continued his gun runs, placing accurate and deadly fire on the enemy. Due to the effective leadership he gave his fire team, the extractions was successfully completed and five lives were saved. His 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.