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 Major (Infantry) Irwin K. Cockett (ASN: 0-1930924), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Major Cockett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 5 July 1965, while serving as Pilot of an unarmed UH-1B helicopter near Ba Gia, Republic of Vietnam. While his aircraft was escorting Marine helicopters on a rescue mission to evacuate eight Americans from an outpost surrounded by an estimated three Viet Cong battalions, Major Cockett monitored a radio call from another fire team that was receiving heavy automatic weapons fire about one mile west of Ba Gia. He immediately proceeded to the Viet Cong position, which was marked by red smoke, and directed his crew to place suppressive fire on the target. As his aircraft completed its first firing pass and turned left to make another pass on the target, it was hit by .50 caliber machine gun fire wounding the co-pilot. Although all instruments indicated the craft was incapable of further flight, and knowing that it might explode any minute, Major Cockett decided to maneuver the ship into the confines of Ba Gia outpost. The left rear of the fuselage began to burn and control of the aircraft became extremely difficult. At approximately 100 feet altitude and one-fourth mile short of the landing zone control of the tail rotor was lost. At approximately 50 feet altitude the tail boom began to separate causing complete loss of directional control. The aircraft crashed and was engulfed in flames. Major Cockett immediately directed his crew to set up a perimeter of defense against a mortar and small arms attack. Later a Marine helicopter evacuated the crew and other Americans from the outpost. Through his sound judgment and professional skill in landing the disabled aircraft in a safe place, the lives of three crew members were saved. The heroic actions of Major Cockett were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.