The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Steven K. Farner (ASN: W-3160743), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 22 March 1969, while serving as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter gunship with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, while a friendly armored troop was engaged with an enemy force, Warrant Officer Farner flew over the contact area to prevent the hostile troops from escaping the advancing friendly unit. On several occasions during the fierce firefight, he was able to contain retreating enemy elements by means of accurate minigun fire. When a light observation helicopter was damaged and forced to make a precautionary landing in the contact area, Warrant Officer Farner came to the aid of the downed ship by providing close overhead gunship coverage while the crew and aircraft were extracted. During the recovery operation, he kept the troop commander accurately informed of the situation, thus allowing the commander to continue with the armored assault and rout the enemy. Warrant Officer Farner’s outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Steven K. Farner (ASN: W-3160743), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 29 October 1968 while serving as a gunner with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Farner was flying a fire support mission for two squads of aero riflemen who were pinned down by an estimated platoon of Viet Cong. Upon locating the enemy positions, Warrant Officer Farner delivered highly-accurate suppressive fire upon the hostile forces with his forty millimeter grenade launcher and miniguns. During the numerous low level passes over the hostile position, Warrant Officer Farner continued to direct his aircraft’s fire power upon the enemy elements, despite the intensive volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from the enemy unit. His heroic actions resulted in relieving the enemy pressure on the friendly force, and enabled it to assault and overrun the hostile positions. Warrant Officer Farner’s unwavering devotion to duty, professional ability and disregard of personal safety while under hostile fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.