The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Army Award) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Willis W. Pressey (NSN: 0-677720), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 17 January 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Lieutenant Pressey, pilot of an armed helicopter, came to the assistance of a South Vietnamese outpost under heavy assault by the Viet Cong in the early morning darkness and vigorously struck the enemy with deadly machine gun fire. When his lead helicopter was shot down, Lieutenant Pressey gave the downed crew immediate cover in the face of heavy ground fire which had damaged his own aircraft. Simultaneously transmitting radio calls for assistance and firing his machineguns at the enemy, Lieutenant Pressey was instrumental in extracting the crew and landing them in a secure area. He then returned to protect the disabled helicopter and fearlessly strike the Viet Cong. Although hampered by malfunctioning weapons, his overwhelming aggressiveness proved superior to the enemy’s guns, thus providing for the later recovery of the valuable helicopter. Lieutenant Pressey’s gallantry and perseverance in combat throughout the night, speak highly of his courage and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Navy.