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) Paul P. Hoffman, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 25 May 1972. First Lieutenant Hoffman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a utility helicopter in support of the besieged city of Kontum, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Hoffman received a request for help from an American advisor at the Team 41 compound, that was under attack. The advisor stated that he had a wounded American soldier and that previous attempts to MEDIVAC the injured man had to be aborted, due to intense enemy fire. Lieutenant Hoffman made his approach to the compound low level, receiving enemy fire from the city itself. As he set the aircraft down inside the compound, a mortar attack began. Lieutenant Hoffman waited until the wounded soldier was placed aboard and then took off, receiving enemy fire as soon as he was airborne. Lieutenant Hoffman’s 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.