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 (Infantry) Wayman M. Hedrick, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, on 9 May 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Hedrick distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Air Mission Commander of an operation to extract wounded troops from an area near Ben Het. As he led the flight into the landing zone, he was met with heavy ground fire and was forced to depart, suffering numerous hits on the aircraft. He again assaulted the hill where the encircled friendly forces were awaiting pick-up, and held his aircraft long enough to load the wounded soldiers aboard. One round blew out the chin bubbles and another riddled the side of the aircraft. Large holes were torn in the fuel cells and great quantities of fuel started pouring from the ship. Lieutenant Hedrick closely watched the instruments as he departed the landing site and after he calmly landed at Ben Het, the aircraft was quickly evacuated, the crew carrying the wounded to safety. Without his courageous display of undaunted determination under the most savage enemy resistance, the lives of many allied soldiers might have been lost. 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.