The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Richard D. Sellers, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop E, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Warrant Officer One Sellers distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 January 1971 while piloting a helicopter during rescue operations near Lai Khe. Learning that an American helicopter had been shot down and its survivors were in close proximity of enemy troops, Warrant Officer Sellers volunteered to attempt a rescue and flew to the site of the wreckage. As he approached the location of the downed aircraft, his helicopter became the target of intense enemy ground fire. Unable to land, Mister Sellers had to hover his rescue airship while one of the wounded soldiers was lifted aboard. Suddenly, a barrage of automatic weapons fire sprayed upon his helicopter, necessitating an evasive departure in order for a helicopter gunship to saturate the area with suppressive fire. Although his helicopter sustained battle damage, the defiant Mister Sellers again brought his helicopter to a hover over the remaining crew members. Amid a fusillade of enemy bullets, Warrant Officer Sellers remained in this vulnerable position until all were on board and then proceeded to Phuoc Vinh’s medical hospital. Warrant Officer One Sellers’ extraordinary heroism and 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.