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 Chief Warrant Officer Philip A. Wright, United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, Chief Warrant Officer Wright distinguished himself in the battle of Soui Tre during Operation JUNCTION CITY II. Answering the call of a unit under attack, he flew to their location and gave position reports, enemy observations, relayed radio messages, and positioned his aircraft to allow his observer to adjust artillery fire. He flew several times over the battle at treetop level to locate friendly units whose smoke could not penetrate the dense jungle canopy. During these low passes, his aircraft was subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons fire. In an outstanding display of heroism and complete disregard for his personal safety, he flew through enemy mortar and ground fire to locate Viet Cong positions and report them. When reinforcements were called to the area, he guided them on the ground to the battle area by flying low level passes in front of them to give them direction and advised them of enemy locations. As the reinforcements approached the fighting, he made low level passes dropping smoke over the Viet Cong positions to divert their attention and allow the reinforcements to maneuver into position. The Viet Cong suffered over 600 casualties during the battle in which Chief Warrant Officer Wright played a vital part. He was instrumental in turning the Viet Cong ambush into a Viet Cong massacre. Chief Warrant Officer Wright’s bold initiative, professional competence, sound judgment, and undaunted courage was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.