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 Fourth Class Robert E. Barber, Jr., United States Army, for heroic achievement on 3 April 1970, while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam as a member of the 170th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. On this date Specialist Four Barber distinguished himself while serving as a crew chief and door gunner, while engaged in a heavy fire fight with the enemy, in support of ground forces that had been overrun. With the rocket and one mini-gun expended, the crew switched to the remaining mini-gun, but a malfunction rendered the weapon useless. There was no time or place to correct the malfunction to the weapon. Specialist Four Barber requested the pilot to slow down the aircraft and disconnected his safety straps, then, with total disregard for his own personal safety, while receiving enemy fire climbed out of the aircraft onto the wing store and corrected the malfunction to the weapon. This action allowed the aircraft to once again engage the enemy and forced the enemy to retreat from the friendly forces position. Specialist Four Barber’s actions have shown personal heroism and gallantry, professional competence, and a totally unselfish concern for the safety of others, which are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.