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 Major (Field Artillery) Donald L. Peters (ASN: OF-117587), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 16 December 1968 while serving as an aircraft commander with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the Aero Rifle Platoon was conducting a bomb damage assessment mission when it was suddenly engaged in a firefight with a well-fortified enemy force. While flying in his command and control helicopter, Major Peters observed the contact and immediately engaged the hostile emplacement with machine gun fire. Due to the dense terrain and confined operating area, it was necessary for Major Peters to fly very low, exposing his aircraft to intense automatic weapons fire from the enemy position. Despite his accurate fire, the friendly ground elements were unable to successfully assault the enemy bunker. Reacting quickly, Major Peters dispatched a helicopter to procure a flamethrower. Upon the return of the helicopter, Major Peters placed highly effective machine gun fire upon the enemy position, allowing the helicopter to land and unload the flamethrower. His professionalism and initiative were instrumental in the success of this mission, in which four enemy were killed and two captured. Major Peters outstanding flying ability and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.