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 Carl A. Cvitkovich, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 13 May 1969. Lieutenant Cvitkovich distinguished himself while serving as pilot of an OH-6A helicopter during an extraction mission of a downed helicopter west of the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. As he flew at a very low level to observe the vicinity of the crash site, his aircraft came under intense enemy machine gun fire. Without regard for his own safety, Lieutenant Cvitkovich hovered over the crash site in an effort to locate the crew and assess the damage to the aircraft. He continued to fly at tree top level to direct the two ground elements through the triple canopy jungle to the wounded crew. After aiding in the evacuation, he volunteered to search out the enemy machine gun emplacements. He personally directed an aerial rocket artillery attack on the positions, silencing the enemy fire. His courageous actions contributed immeasurably to the safe extraction of the crew and the success of the mission. Lieutenant Cvitkovich’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.