The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) David J. Parhalo, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Parhalo distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1968, as Commander of a medical evacuation helicopter of the 498th Medical Company, 55th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade, on a rescue mission southwest of Landing Zone English. As First Lieutenant Parhalo approached the pick-up site, his craft received hostile automatic weapons fire with one round piercing the plexiglass shield. A second attempt to land was made in close coordination with supporting gun ships, but the enemy again forced them away. The craft sustained a direct hit which penetrated the floor, severed the crew chief’s headphone cord and inflicted a superficial shrapnel wound to the medic. Determining that the damage was light, First Lieutenant Parhalo effected a third landing attempt and this time succeeded in picking up the patient and evacuating him to safety. First Lieutenant Parhalo’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.