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 Francis L. Kirby (ASN: 0-5235340), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 31 August 1968 while serving as Aviation Section Leader, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while conducting an aerial reconnaissance over the Viet Cong-infested terrain near Chanh Long, Lieutenant Kirby observed an unknown-size Viet Cong force hidden along a stream. Due to the dense vegetation in the swampy area, Lieutenant Kirby was required to make several passes over the area for the squadron commander to detect their presence. During passes, Lieutenant Kirby exhibited superb flying skill by skimming the tree-tops at extremely high speeds in his unarmed helicopter to avoid presenting a vulnerable target to the aggressive enemy forces. As he performed these exacting maneuvers and kept the Viet Cong under observation, he called in an armed helicopter and directed its deadly fire onto the hostile positions. Pressing the attack to close quarters, Lieutenant Kirby landed his aircraft beside the hostile positions and as soon as the UH-1C landed, he led the crew into the Communist position to exploit the contact. As a result of his aggressive actions, two enemy soldiers were killed and the allied forces acquired valuable intelligence data from the prisoner. First Lieutenant Kirby’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.