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 Walter M. Bergmann, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Captain Bergmann distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 June 1966 while serving as aircraft commander of a helicopter of the 161st Aviation Company (AML), 14th Aviation Battalion, during an evacuation mission near Trung Luong, Republic of Vietnam. Upon receiving an urgent request to extract critically wounded casualties from a beleaguered company, Captain Bergmann immediately volunteered for the hazardous mission. Although the extraction site was barely visible because of approaching darkness, the battle area was clearly marked with a blanket of tracers and exploding mortar and artillery rounds. With complete disregard for his safety, Captain Bergmann followed steering instructions from another aircraft and skillfully maneuvered his aircraft at tree-top level through intense Viet Cong ground fire into the landing zone. Despite the fact that the hostile fire became increasingly intense, the causalities were successfully loaded aboard the helicopter. Captain Bergmann then departed the perilous landing zone and successfully flew his wounded comrades to medical facilities. Through his courage, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Captain Bergmann’s outstanding flying ability 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.