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) Gary M. Gingrich, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 26 November 1969, while serving as a command and control helicopter pilot with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Aviation Section, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the 3d Squadron Command Post Howitzer Battery Complex was attacked by an unknown sized enemy force equipped with small arms, mortars and rockets. Warrant Officer Gingrich quickly responded to the call and flew into the area of contact, landing his ship amidst heavy mortar and rocket fire. During the contact, despite the volume of incoming rounds and danger to himself and his ship, Warrant Officer Gingrich landed and flew out six times, each time with a full load of wounded personnel. Due to Warrant Officer Gingrich’s expertise as a pilot, at least twenty-four American lives were saved without a single injury to either his ship or his crew. Warrant Officer Gingrich’s 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.