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 Specialist Fourth Class Michael R. Elbert, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 119th Assault Helicopter Company. Specialist Ebert distinguished himself by exceptionally heroic actions while on an armed escort mission to rescue a surrounded Special Forces reconnaissance team in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam. Assigned the responsibility of close fire support for an extraction helicopter, he took an enemy position under fire in heavy ground fog to divert the enemy fire from the beleaguered team. On consecutive firing passes, he continually exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he directed deadly suppressive fire on the enemy, silencing many of the weapons and succeeding in dispersing the enemy to the extent that the trapped reconnaissance team was able to be loaded on the extraction ship and safely evacuated from the area. During this action, his ship received such an intense volume of enemy fire that it crashed and burned. Although seriously injured, he attempted to free the trapped pilots until driven back by intense flames and exploding ammunition. His actions on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.