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 Sergeant Lee R. Robertson, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop B, 3d Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade, on 12 January 1970, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Robertson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an observer in a light observation helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission southwest of Tan An. While on their second reconnaissance pass, his ship took extremely heavy enemy fire and began to disintegrate in flight. The pilot was severely wounded and the aircraft crashed into trees near friendly ground troops. In the crash, Sergeant Robertson was thrown clear of the aircraft. He made his way back to the aircraft where the severely wounded pilot was trapped and ripped parts of the wreckage away from the pilot in an effort to free him. While giving directions to approaching ground troops during the recovery operations, Sergeant Robertson continued to work under exposure of hostile fire, until the wounded man was free and on a medevac helicopter. 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.