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) Douglas Mercer, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 12 May 1970 while serving as a Pilot with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date elements of Troop B had encountered an entrenched squad of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Three men were wounded and in need of medical evacuation. A MEDEVAC helicopter which was in the area refused to attempt an evacuation when it learned that there were no gunships in the vicinity. Warrant Officer Mercer monitored the call and volunteered to rescue the men. As he maneuvered the craft into the small landing zone, they began to receive intense rocket propelled grenade, small arms and automatic weapons fire from the insurgent force. Despite the hostile fire, he landed and picked up the personnel and flew to a field hospital where medical aid was awaiting. Warrant Officer Mercer’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.