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 Fourth Class Richard L. Fry (ASN: RA-18994471), 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 an aerial observer with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, his aircraft commander received a report that approximately twenty Viet Cong had been observed in his immediate area. The aircraft commander immediately proceeded to the area of contact and began radioing information to the troop commander while Specialist Fry directed highly accurate and intensive fire into the hostile positions. When friendly forces requested that the aircraft land and evacuate four wounded Viet Cong prisoners, Specialist Fry left his aircraft four times in order to assist in the loading of the wounded Viet Cong into the aircraft. Specialist Fourth Class Fry’s unwavering devotion to duty, disregard of personal safety and professional ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.