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 Captain (Armor) Tom W. Mitchell, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 18 June 1969 while serving as a helicopter pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting an aerial reconnaissance operation, the troop’s command and control helicopter was shot down by intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Captain Mitchell observed the crash and immediately tried to land nearby but was forced away by intense hostile fire. By approaching from a different direction, he finally succeeded in landing near the scene of the crash. For over thirty minutes he remained in the enemy infested area while his observer checked to see whether medical evacuations would be necessary. He did not fly from theirthe area until reinforcements had arrived and the situation was under control. Captain Mitchell’s courage and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.