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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Willis G. Strawn (ASN: 0-541234), United States Army, for heroic achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 2d Helicopter Detachment, in action near Choksong-ni, Korea on 14 and 15 January 1951. During a relief and aerial evacuation mission involving an American unit which was isolated in enemy territory, Lieutenant STRAWN piloted an H-13D helicopter over hazardous mountain terrain in enemy territory to reach his destination. Upon arriving at the perimeter, he let down through hostile small-arms fire to land for the loading of battle casualties. After landing in the perimeter, and while being subjected to enemy small arms and mortar fire, Lieutenant STRAWN assisted a fellow pilot in getting his damaged helicopter started, then loaded his own aircraft with wounded and took off. The enemy positions had to be circled, exposing the aircraft to possible damage or destruction, until sufficient altitude was gained to clear the enemy-held mountains. Lieutenant STRAWN returned to the isolated troops, carrying much needed ammunition, and, again being the intended target for enemy ground fire, then returned to his home base with seriously wounded men. On the following day, he made one more final trip into the perimeter to remove the battle casualties prior to the withdrawal of the friendly unit. Through his courageous action, many seriously wounded were able to receive prompt surgical attention, and a friendly unit was relieved of the task of evacuating the casualties on the ground through enemy territory. The extraordinary achievement of Lieutenant Strawn reflects great credit on himself and the military service.