The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Terrance Edward Ledden, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 5 September 1969, while serving as a Pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Ledden was piloting a Cobra gunship in the vicinity of Loc Ninh conducting a visual reconnaissance mission. The observation helicopter suddenly came under a heavy barrage of enemy ground fire which inflicted considerable damage on the aircraft and seriously wounded the pilot. Warrant Officer Ledden immediately set his ship for a run on the enemy positions. Before he could neutralize the enemy force, Warrant Officer Ledden broke contact and followed the damaged helicopter back to Quan Loi. He assisted the aircraft commander in maintaining radio contact with the injured crew and in notifying the tower and medical personnel at the field, alerting them to the situation. When the helicopter landed safely, Warrant Officer Ledden volunteered to return with the ship and a second observation helicopter to the contact area. Upon reaching the vicinity, he kept close watch on the observation helicopter directing it so as not to expose it to hostile fire. Suddenly, the Cobra gunship received Warrant Officer Ledden remained calm and continued radio contact while turning the ship around. As he was heading back to a base, the ship erupted into flames and crashed, killing him. Warrant Officer Ledden’s courageous actions and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.