The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard Davis Almy (MCSN: 0-88428), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 February 1967, Captain Almy launched as Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne) and Flight Leader of a section of armed UH-1E helicopters supporting two CH-46A transport helicopters on a mission to insert a reconnaissance team on a hill top east of Duc Pho. Preceding the transports to the zone, he directed the air strikes of the only fixed wing aircraft immediately available, expending only part of its ordnance in preparation for the landing, then requesting the aircraft to remain on station for further missions. Effectively coordinating the last run of the strike aircraft with the approach of the transports while skillfully maneuvering his own helicopter section to provide suppressive fire, he enabled the transport helicopters to successfully land and debark the reconnaissance. Team. As soon as the helicopters departed the landing zone, the team was subjected to intense heavy weapons fire and command detonated mines from well-fortified Viet Cong positions. Responding to the team’s urgent call for assistance, Captain Almy, with complete disregard for his own safety and exhibiting exceptional aeronautical ability, courageously flew low over the enemy positions to locate and mark numerous hostile targets near the base of the hill. Giving calm, clear instructions to the fixed wing aircraft pilot, he guided him quickly and accurately from one target to another until all the aircraft’s ordnance was expended. Requesting additional aircraft support, Captain Almy, displaying daring initiative, resourcefulness and highly effective tactical employment of support aircraft, accurately directed their fire by pinpointing targets with his rockets. With his ordnance expended and despite the heavy volume of Viet Cong fire, he courageously maneuvered his helicopter low over enemy positions to mark them with smoke grenades. Because the reconnaissance team had suffered numerous casualties and were in an increasingly untenable position, an emergency retraction was ordered. Flying below hill top level, Captain Almy disregarded the danger of enemy fire as well as the hazards of the mountainous terrain in order to coordinate and protect the retraction mission. Continuing to provide suppressive fire, he escorted the transport aircraft to a successful landing and rescue of the beleaguered Marine team. Captain Almy’s fearless leadership, outstanding aeronautical skill and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.