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 George O. Peay, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 June 1966. Specialist Peay distinguished himself while serving as a door gunner on a UH-1D assault helicopter, displaying courage, forcefulness, and perseverance in the face of intensive enemy fire during a daring emergency medical resupply mission at night to Company A, 2d Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division near Dak To, Vietnam. Despite adverse weather conditions, reduced visibility and hazardous jungle terrain, Specialist Peay gallantly braved the high volume of enemy 50 caliber and light automatic weapons fire by exposing himself outside the door of his aircraft to assist in recognizing the correct landing zone. Reacting with speed and accuracy, he placed heavy suppressive fire on the enemy gun emplacements while the helicopter hovered at tree top level. Dangerously exposed to enemy fire he hastily air dropped the supplies and credited his actions with destroying two enemy 50 caliber machine gun emplacements and crew members. Specialist Four Peay’s professionalism, superb gunnery skill, and profound courage in the face of the enemy at great risk to his own life is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself his unit, and the United States Army.