The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Norman Dale Adkins, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) on 25 April 1970. Private First Class Adkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter gunship during a mission to drop ammunition and food to a friendly regiment which was in heavy contact with the enemy. His ship received heavy automatic weapons fire during its first two gun runs, but he was able to suppress it with deadly minigun and rocket fire. As the ship broke out of its gun runs, Private First Class Adkins covered the aircraft with devastating machine gun fire. On the third pass over the landing zone the aircraft received vital hits to his control mechanisms. The aircraft commander and pilot struggled desperately to keep their ship under control, but due to the numerous hits received they started loosing altitude. As the aircraft went down Private First Class Adkins continued to fire his machine gun until the ship hit the trees and burst into flames. His selfless devotion to duty and courageous 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.