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 First Lieutenant Grover E. Barnes, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. First Lieutenant Barnes distinguished himself while serving as pilot of an O-1 aircraft covering a sector operations in Kien Phong Province. When the friendly forces became decisively engaged with an enemy force and were very vulnerable because of the lack of artillery, he began making repeated rocket runs at extremely low altitudes to draw the enemy fire away from the ground troops. After breaking up the enemy to some extent, he called in helicopter gunships and artillery until the enemy were completely disorganized. Lieutenant Barnes courageous actions were directly responsible for the killing, wounding and capture of 96 enemy troops. Through his courage and determination he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.