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 Major (Armor) Charles W. Abbey (ASN: 0-5209960), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 21 January 1970, while serving as Troop Commander of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Major Abbey flew to the aid of the 1st Squadron, which was engaged with a large enemy force. Upon his arrival, Major Abbey took command of the light fire teams of the friendly force and began coordinating with the forward aerial observer in the placement of air strikes. Despite intense ground fire, Major Abbey repeatedly flew over the enemy positions at low altitude to pinpoint enemy positions while constantly coordinating and supervising the air strikes on the positions he had marked. Flying back to his support base to refuel, Major Abbey immediately returned to the area of contact to continue his direction of the fire support elements. Major Abbey’s 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.