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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Lee J. Church (ASN: 0-5426581), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 10 December 1968 while serving as a Pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Church was piloting his helicopter in support of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, which was in contact with an enemy force of unknown size. Monitoring the friendly unit’s call for an evacuation ship, Lieutenant Church immediately maneuvered his aircraft through the intense enemy fire and landed in a bomb crater close to the friendly forces. The enemy observed the aircraft and immediately directed an intense amount of automatic weapons fire upon his location. Disregarding the hostile fire, he remained on the ground until the wounded man had been loaded on board. Upon completing the evacuation, he returned to the area of the engagement and monitoring another call for medical assistance, he directed his aircraft through the hostile automatic weapons fire to evacuate another wounded soldier. First Lieutenant Church’s unwavering devotion to duty, complete disregard of personal safety while under hostile fire and professional ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.