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 (Armor) William E. Maestretti, Jr. (ASN: 0-5261149), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 23 January 1969 while serving as co-pilot/gunner in an AH-1G “Cobra” gunship with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the vicinity of Bien Hoa, Lieutenant Maestretti’s aircraft was directed to an area of dense jungle where an enemy unit of company size had been engaged by friendly forces. Upon reaching the scene of the fierce engagement, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft into a low level assault on the Communist positions and unleashed a highly accurate barrage of fire upon the enemy forces. The Pilot flew through intense enemy fire while Lieutenant Maestretti directed the ship’s firepower upon the hostile positions. After expending all the ordnance, the aircraft returned to base to rearm and refuel. Returning to the area of contact Lieutenant Maestretti learned that the friendly ground forces had been pinned down by the intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. The pilot initiated a strafing run over the enemy positions, while Lieutenant Maestretti placed highly accurate firepower upon the enemy, thereby permitting the friendly unit to withdraw and call in air and artillery strikes. First Lieutenant Maestretti’s dedication to duty and disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.