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 (Corps of Engineers) Steven R. Schmidt (ASN: 0-5536132), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action on 27 November 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Schmidt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as airlift flight commander during a mission to extract a friendly unit from deep in enemy-held territory. Upon reaching the area, Lieutenant Schmidt found the hole in the jungle to be just large enough to accommodate the aircraft’s rotor, and that the area was being hit by heavy enemy fire. Disregarding his own personal safety, he brought his aircraft to a hover above the embattled unit. He remained in the area until the troops were safely aboard his ship. Lieutenant Schmidt made several trips to the same area until the entire unit was extracted. His 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.