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 John A. Bottman, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in Laos. Captain Bottman distinguished himself on 8 February 1971 while serving as pilot of a UH-1H lift helicopter during a troop insertion of an element of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Throughout the entire flight, Captain Bottman’s aircraft came under intense hostile fire from numerous enemy positions. Despite the intense barrage, he continued the approach and successfully inserted the ground troops. Although armed helicopters could not eliminate the hostile fire due to the large concentration of enemy in the area, Captain Bottman unhesitatingly returned to the contact area. On each sortie, he subjected himself to the intense barrage to successfully accomplish the mission. Captain Bottman’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.