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 Captain [then First Lieutenant] Michael Angelo Mecca, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement in performance of his duties while participating as a helicopter pilot in aerial flight on 29 August 1951. Early on the morning of this date, it was reported that United Nations ground forces personnel on night patrol across the Rajin River were trapped in enemy territory. The flood waters had washed away the patrol’s rafts and as they had no means of returning to friendly territory, they were in immediate danger of concentrated enemy action. Captain Mecca, already airborne on an administrative flight in an H-6 helicopter, realized that the time element for successful completion of such a mission was very critical and promptly volunteered to attempt the evacuation although his duties were as a tactical controller and not as a combat pilot. As helicopters in front line areas attract quick enemy attention and fire, Captain Mecca proceeded with entire disregard for personal safety and displayed superior flying ability and ingenuity by flying his aircraft on repeated trips into enemy territory and each time returning with a load of men and equipment far in excess of the normal combat weight limitations of his helicopter. As a result of this mission, thirty United States personnel were lifted from enemy territory where capture was certain and returned to fight further in the cause of the United Nations. Through his courage, leadership, and ability, Captain Mecca has brought great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Air Force.