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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) David W. Gordon, III, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 15 May 1970, while serving as a helicopter pilot with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Gordon was flying the squadron’s Operations Officer over dense jungle in front of Company H when he spotted an estimated two squads of well-entrenched North Vietnamese soldiers. Lieutenant Gordon hovered his craft at a dangerously low altitude to allow the Operations Officer a better view of the enemy’s deployment before informing the Commander of Troop H. While Company H assaulted the enemy positions, Lieutenant Gordon kept his craft at an altitude that enabled the Operations Officer to maintain control of the tactical situation. During the battle, Lieutenant Gordon maneuvered his helicopter to afford the best possible position to adjust artillery and air strikes. Later, when a landing zone had been cleared, Lieutenant Gordon landed to assist in evacuation of wounded personnel. First Lieutenant Gordon’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.