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 (Infantry) John J. Hyatt, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, 10th Combat Aviation Battalion, in action on 21 August 1966, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Hyatt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 August 1966 while flying an armed helicopter in support of an evacuation near Song Be. Lieutenant Hyatt repeatedly flew firing passes on Viet Cong units surrounding the ground patrol at the pickup site. While receiving intense hostile fire, he pinpointed Viet Cong weapon emplacements, directed the fire of his door gunners, and used the weapons system of the aircraft with devastating effect. Though his main rotor was damaged by fire, he continued to attack the hostile concentrations. When the evacuation helicopter approached the landing zone, it received hits and crashed. Lieutenant Hyatt, with complete disregard for his personal safety, made two non-firing passes over the downed aircraft to exactly locate its crew, before again directing all of his firepower on the insurgents. When his automatic weapons failed, he removed his seat armor, exposed himself to the hostile fire, and continued firing accurate bursts at the Viet Cong with his rifle. These aggressive strikes allowed evacuation aircraft to remove the downed crew and the ground patrol. Lieutenant Hyatt’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.