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 Specialist Robert C. Alaniz, United States Army, for heroism involving aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 14 December 1969. Specialist Alaniz distinguished himself while serving as the crew chief of a UH-1H helicopter involved in the extraction of a reconnaissance team in contact with a superior size enemy force northwest of Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam. Upon reaching the team, he helped to begin the extraction despite the fact that the team was still in heavy contact. Specialist Alaniz then leveled intense and accurate fire on the enemy positions, and when the aircraft commander hovered above the team, he helped guide the aircraft down as close as possible to them. He also worked diligently to lower McGuire rigs, clear the aircraft, and keep the aircraft commander informed as to the team’s progress. At one point, Specialist Alaniz noticed a determined enemy soldier who had moved extremely close to the team and was about to open fire. He quickly returned to his machine gun and silenced the enemy soldier before he could fire. Specialist Alaniz’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.