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 Captain Ernest A. Arzabal, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Light Observation Helicopter pilot with the 198th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Arzabal distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 November 1970. On that date while flying a Light Observation Helicopter LOH-6 in support of a friendly ground unit, when emergency medical evacuation was requested. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he unhesitatingly maneuvered his extremely vulnerable aircraft through concentrations of enemy fire to the pick up zone. Ignoring the danger involved, Captain Arzabal remained on the hot landing zone amidst intense volumes of hostile fire until the wounded soldier was places aboard for extraction. Repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy barrage, he returned to the battlefield on several occasions and successfully extracted friendly casualties until the insurgents were completely routed from the area. Through his timely and courageous actions, Captain Arzabal was instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow soldiers and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. His personal heroism, professional competence and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.