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 Sergeant William E. Hensch, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-7A Flight Engineer near Cao Lanh, Republic of Vietnam on 15 October 1967. On that date, during climb-out from the runway at Cao Lanh, the aircraft was hit by hostile ground fire which critically wounded a passenger. Sergeant Hensch immediately took command of the situation and expertly applied first aid while surrendering his flak vest to the wounded man for further protection while the aircraft was still under hostile assault. Sergeant Hensch’s prompt action, outstanding skill, and selflessness has been credited with saving the soldier’s life. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hensch reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Forces.