The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant David W. Baldwin, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 April 1969, First Lieutenant Baldwin launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency evacuation of a seriously wounded Marine from an area northeast of An Hoa. Arriving over the designated location, he was informed that he would be vulnerable to intense enemy fire from two directions and, although he lacked adequate armed aircraft support, he elected to attempt the evacuation. Fearlessly commencing his approach to the landing zone, he came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire and quickly regained altitude to permit the accompanying armed UH-1E helicopter to complete firing runs on hostile emplacements. Advised by the patrol leader on the ground that enemy fire in the area was still too intense to continue the mission, First Lieutenant Baldwin, thinking only of the critical condition of the casualty, nevertheless boldly commenced a second approach to the site and, although he again encountered hostile fire, skillfully executed a series of evasive maneuvers and land in proximity to the injured Marine. During the period of time that he was on the ground, he was under continuous fire but resolutely remained in his dangerously exposed position until the embarkation was completed. Then, displaying superb airmanship, he expeditiously departed the dangerous area and proceeded to a medical facility at DaNang. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and saved the life of a fellow Marine. First Lieutenant Baldwin’s courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the vital mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.