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 Alvin C. Beck, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop B, 7th Armored Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Beck distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as Air Mission Commander aboard a command control helicopter engaged in conducting a large troop insertion into a contested landing zone. When he received intense automatic weapons fire on the last pass, Captain Beck immediately marked the area with smoke grenades and directed the lift aircraft into the appropriate landing zone. On the third and subsequent sorties the transport ships were subjected to heavy enemy machine gun fire. In order to identify the target position for the gunships, Captain Beck continually exposed his helicopter to enemy fire while making numerous marking runs over the enemy weapons. As a direct result of his unwavering dedication to duty, tactical skill, and courage in the direct face of enemy fire, the entire combat assault was successfully completed. Captain Beck’s actions were in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.