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) Grady E. Stevens (ASN: W-3154932), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 22 October 1967. Warrant Officer Stevens distinguished himself while serving as Aircraft Commander in support of a special forces reconnaissance patrol near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. The patrol had come in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force and had become surrounded deep in hostile territory. After examining the location of the patrol, he discovered that the only was of extracting them would be by means of a sling. Under intense enemy fire, he held his aircraft at a stable hover until the four men from the patrol were secured, at which time he immediately made his departure from the area. Through his courage and personal bravery, he was instrumental in saving the team from near certain 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.