The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Thomas F. Clifton, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 18 April 1969, while serving as a co-pilot on a helicopter with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date elements of the Regiment were engaged in a fierce firefight northwest of Dau Tieng. In the initial moments of the battle, the friendly force suffered several casualties. One evacuation ship attempted to land but the intense automatic weapons fire prevented this. Reacting immediately, Warrant Officer Clifton volunteered to assist his commander in an attempt to land so that the injured troopers could be treated. The pilot under Warrant Officer Clifton’s guidance slowly entered the extremely small landing zone, ignoring the intense automatic weapons fire and the burning foliage which filled the cockpit with smoke. After helping to place the injured men on board, Warrant Officer Clifton assumed command of the craft after the pilot was overcome by smoke and could not continue. He steered the ship to a safe altitude and then transported all the injured men to the nearest medical evacuation facility, saving three lives. Warrant Officer Clifton’s heroic 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.