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 Specialist Fifth Class Victor E. Hicks, United States Army, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of Company A, 25th Aviation Battalion, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, on 12 January 1964. As Crew Chief of a UH-1A helicopter, Specialist Hicks demonstrated unique flying skill and complete disregard for his own personal safety while participating in a dangerous aerial evacuation of an injured sailor from a virtually inaccessible cliff between two ridges in the Koolau Mountains. Under the most adverse weather conditions, he assisted the rescue personnel by guiding the lowering of the necessary equipment and men into a small area 150 feet below the aircraft. While lying on the floor at the edge of the helicopter during the maneuvering of the aircraft in this extremely confined and hazardous area, he gave directions to the pilots to insure that the rescue party landed in the correct location. Through his voluntary efforts and sound judgment, he enabled the rescue personnel to expeditiously complete their task and the pilots to fly the injured sailor to a hospital. Specialist Hicks’ professional skill and courageous actions in this emergency mission reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.