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 Warrant Officer (W-1) Christian A. Peterson (ASN: W-3159182), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Peterson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of a lift ship during a mission to extract a five-man short range patrol, who were heavily engaged with an enemy force near Duc Co. Through his constant alertness and devotion to duty he initiated the successful recovery by spotting the exact location of the patrol on the ground. While flying through intense hostile fire, he directed his gunners’ fire onto enemy positions, affording the patrol on the necessary cover to board his aircraft. With the entire patrol aboard, he flew his ship, hit several times by small arms fire and critically leaking fuel, to the 71st Evacuation Hospital. Warrant Officer Peterson showed great courage and a calm performance of duties in an extremely dangerous situation. 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.