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 Warrant Officer Orville T. Failen, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 10 April 1969 while serving as a pilot with D Troop, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry in the Republic of Vietnam. While on an extraction operation for a long range patrol team, Warrant Officer Failen was called upon to cover the evacuation helicopters. After arriving at the contact area, Warrant Officer Failen’s aircraft came under intense anti-aircraft fire. Immediately, Warrant Officer Failen directed a close in rocket attack around the patrol’s position. As the extraction ships approached the landing zone, Warrant Officer Failen, with complete disregard for his own safety, flew his helicopter dangerously low in order to give fire support to the friendly element, as they were boarding the helicopters. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Warrant Officer Failen’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.