The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Donald Edward Ainsworth, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 January 1969, Sergeant Ainsworth was the Crew Chief aboard the second aircraft in a flight of two UH-1E helicopters participating in aerial reconnaissance mission from the An Hoa Airfield. As his flight was returning from an assignment, it suddenly came under intense automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed enemy position. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Ainsworth manned his machine gun and delivered a heavy volume of accurate fire against the hostile force. Although his aircraft was severely damaged and his gunner seriously wounded, he steadfastly maintained his perilous position and, firing his weapon with devastating accuracy, killed two enemy soldiers and effectively suppressed the hostile fire. When his helicopter was out of the enemy’s range, Sergeant Ainsworth administered first aid to his injured gunner and assisted his pilot in maneuvering the damaged aircraft to a safe landing. Sergeant Ainsworth’s courage, exceptional professional skill and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.