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 Command Sergeant Major Donald E. Horn (ASN: RA-35996961), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 6 March 1970 while serving as an aerial observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Sergeant Major Horn had accompanied the regimental commander on a visual reconnaissance mission when they monitored a radio message from his troop informing them that they had made contact and were without a command and control helicopter to direct the tactical situation. The regimental commander directed the ship toward the contact area, flying the helicopter at a low altitude which left it susceptible to ground fire. Sergeant Major Horn notified his gunner of that possibility and leaned out of the craft to gain a better view of the area. Suddenly the helicopter came under an intense barrage of ground fire. From his vantage point Sergeant Major Horn directed the fire of his door gunners and notified the regimental commander so that the artillery could be shifted. With visibility declining due to the closing cloud cover it was necessary to fly at tree top level. Sergeant Major Horn observed enemy positions and directed fire against them. On one pass he observed enemy fortifications and to verify his observation he had the pilot pass over the area once again. On this pass the helicopter received intense volleys of enemy fire, many rounds striking in the vicinity of Sergeant Major Horn. Despite the obvious hazards he remained in his position observing the enemy emplacements and directing the helicopter’s fire against the insurgents. Command Sergeant Major Horn’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.