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 Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2) Douglas F. Eggerth (ASN: W-3155537), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 28 January 1968, while serving as Aircraft Commander with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Chief Warrant Officer Eggerth’s armed helicopter was supporting friendly troops engaged in heavy conflict with an enemy force in the vicinity of Bien Hoa. The enemy was well concealed in several buildings and was placing intense fire upon American troops near the stronghold. With complete disregard for his own safety, Chief Warrant Office Eggerth skillfully maneuvered his helicopter through the heavy volume of enemy fire and dense smoke produced by burning buildings in order to initiate a series of highly accurate rocket attacks upon the Viet Cong fortification. Flying at an extremely low level, he carefully selected his targets and effectively destroyed the insurgents’ positions. During the fierce engagement, his aircraft sustained several direct hits but Chief Warrant Officer Eggerth remained hovering over the battlefield until all his ammunition had been expended and the enemy force overwhelmingly defeated. His exceptional courage, selfless devotion to duty and unwavering determination to defeat the insurgent forces were instrumental in the success of the mission. Chief Warrant Officer Eggerth’s great personal bravery was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.