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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Rowand H. Clark, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Clark distinguished himself by valorous actions on 21 July 1967, while serving as a rotary wing aviator on a combat mission to provide aerial support for friendly elements that had engaged an estimated battalion of well armed Viet Cong. Arriving at the scene of the action, Lieutenant Clark immediately provided superb aerial cover for the evacuation of a downed aircraft. Alertly spotting several enemy positions, Lieutenant Clark skillfully placed effective fire upon the disorganized Viet Cong. Suddenly, a large group of insurgents was observed rapidly fleeing to the west. Reacting instantly, Lieutenant Clark aggressively fired into the midst of the insurgents. As the aircraft swooped over the enemy, the aircraft commander was critically injured by a burst of hostile fire. With the aircraft rolling violently to the right and gyrating wildly, Lieutenant Clark instantly seized the controls and leveled the aircraft. Realizing the seriousness of the commander’s injuries, Lieutenant Clark flew at maximum air speed and power to the nearest medical facility. Lieutenant Clark’s indomitable courage and determination were directly responsible for saving the helicopter from destruction and saving the life of the injured aircraft commander. First Lieutenant Clark’s outstanding flying ability 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.