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 Captain (Infantry) Barry J. Speare, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop C, 7th Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Speare distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as leader of an aero-scout reconnaissance team in Bien Dien Province that resulted in a successful ground operation against a hostile force and a safe battlefield evacuation of several wounded soldiers. His light observation helicopter was hovering near the opening of a cave when it received intense automatic weapons fire. Returning the fire, heedless of his own safety, he placed his aircraft between the assaulting infantrymen and the hostile force, directing them in their attack. Following the ensuing firefight a medical evacuation helicopter was called to extract several soldiers who had been wounded. Marking the landing zone with smoke, Captain Speare, again in total disregard for his own safety, placed himself between the rescue ship and the enemy and remained with it until the wounded comrades had been safely extracted. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.