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) Dean K. Klackner, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 14 August 1969 while serving as an aviator with 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Warrant Officer Klackner was flying in support of friendly elements when the ship suddenly came under small arms and recoilless rifle fire from an unknown-size North Vietnamese Army force. Warrant Officer Klackner leaned out of the ship to drop accurate smoke grenades. A call was then received to help wounded men from a small landing zone. As the ship slowly entered the area, it came under very intense hostile fire. Warrant Officer Klackner ignored it as he helped to load seven seriously wounded troopers onto the ship. Warrant Officer Klackner’s heroic 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.