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 Chief Warrant Officer (WO-2) Stephen E. Lawrence, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 135th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 22d Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of a light fire team supporting medical evacuation operations at Fire Support Base Pace and Fire Support Base Alpha. In response to an emergency call from another helicopter going down in flames as the result of enemy anti-aircraft fire, Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence, without regard for his personal safety, decided to attempt a rescue of the downed crew. The area near the burning aircraft was one of known enemy concentration, but his expertise in handling the aircraft enabled him to land safely. While on the ground, he and his crew exposed themselves to enemy ground fire in an attempt to locate the downed crew. Enemy fire forced him to take-off prematurely, but he returned to the area a second time to pick up the crew. The aircraft continued to receive a heavy concentration of small arms fire while the downed crew boarded; and, it increased as he piloted his helicopter from the area. Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence’s 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.