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 Specialist Fifth Class Thomas L. Tucker (ASN: RA-56908690), 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, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 September 1968. Specialist Fifth Class Tucker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a crewchief aboard a UH-1C helicopter during a mission to provide aerial fire support for a long range reconnaissance patrol in contact with a numerically superior enemy force near An Khe. Specialist Tucker’s aircraft received an intense volume of hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire, he responded immediately by marking the enemy locations with smoke and returning the fire. On pass after pass, he strafed the enemy ranks and personally accounted for many enemy casualties. He also spotted an enemy bunker position and directed his pilot into position to destroy it with rocket fire. Through his courage and sound judgment, he helped save the reconnaissance team from annihilation. 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.