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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) John J. Engle (ASN: W-3157305), 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 6 June 1968. Warrant Officer Engle distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an aircraft commander on an armed helicopter during a mission to extract a Special Forces long range reconnaissance patrol in heavy contact with a much larger enemy force west of Kontum. En route to the team’s location, he encountered true monsoon weather, yet he expertly navigated his aircraft through constant thunder, thick clouds and a persistent deluge over treacherous mountain terrain. When he arrived on station, he immediately engaged the enemy. On the initial passes, he totally expended his armament systems in destroying numerous heavy caliber automatic weapons positions. This enabled the team to break contact and to move to a suitable extraction point. He continued to expose himself to enemy fire to cover the team with his door gun. He boldly defied enemy fire until the team had safely reached the extraction point. Through his courage and professionalism the team was safely rescued. 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.