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 Warrant Officer One (W-1) Joseph R. Licina (ASN: W-3160072), 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 22 January 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Licina distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed UH-1C helicopter that was flying wing position in a light fire team. The two aircraft fire team was providing air cover for MEDEVACs which were extracting critically wounded personnel of a friendly battalion, forty kilometers northwest of Pleiku. On the third low level pass over the friendly landing zone, both aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire. Despite the fire directed towards his own ship, Warrant Officer Licina came around to bring protective fire under the lead aircraft. He continued to cover the lead aircraft and the evacuation helicopters until all the wounded were extracted from the landing zone. As the last aircraft lifted out of the landing zone, the area came under heavy mortar attack. Without hesitation, he followed his lead aircraft as they attacked the enemy mortar positions. Only after they were silenced and his aircraft armament expended, did he pull off station. 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.