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) Richard E. Kelly, Jr. (ASN: 0-5417015), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 30 January 1967 while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On this dated Lieutenant Kelly was serving as Aircraft Commander of the Regimental Commanders command and control helicopter and was participating in Operation Muncie. While the Regimental Commander was controlling a search and destroy mission from the aircraft Lieutenant Kelly was informed of a friendly Vietnamese convoy proceeding through the area of operations. During the convoys passage one of its elements detonated a large antitank mine killing one allied soldier and seriously wounding ten others. Immediately directing the aircraft to the area the Regimental Commander ordered armored elements of his command to the convoys rescue. As the armored column approached the convoy the lead vehicle detonated a second powerful mine located a scant fifty meters from the burning Vietnamese truck. After calling for medical evacuation helicopters Lieutenant Kelly was advised that one seriously wounded Vietnamese soldier was bleeding profusely and would die unless immediately evacuated to medical facilities. At this time Lieutenant Kelly directed the pilot to attempt a landing between the burning vehicles despite the possibility of additional enemy mines. During the descent the aircraft began receiving enemy ground fire and though fully cognizant of the danger to himself he insisted on landing. As a result Lieutenant Kelly’s unwavering courage and devotion to duty the wounded soldier was successfully evacuated and treated in time to save his life. Lieutenant Kelly’s valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.