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 Fifth Class John H. Schuster, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight Specialist Schuster distinguished himself by heroism while serving as the crew chief of a UH-1 helicopter in the Republic of Vietnam during the night of 27 – 28 September 1962. Specialist Schuster volunteered to take part in an aerial evacuation mission to provide medical treatment for six critically wounded Vietnamese soldiers. He volunteered for the mission with full knowledge that the flight would take place over hostile territory under conditions of a low visibility ceiling, heavy rain showers, and darkness with the loss of radio contact during most of the flight. At the pickup area, Specialist Schuster used a PRC-10 radio to communicate with personnel on the ground and relay information to the pilot enabling him to land in a muddy rice paddy illuminated by a burning haystack and flares. After the casualties were loaded, Specialist Schuster cared for them as they were evacuated to Can Tho for medical treatment. Specialist Schuster’s courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.