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) David H. Irby (ASN: W-3160485), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 28 February 1969 while serving as a helicopter pilot with 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was conducting a routine reconnaissance mission with the Commanding Officer of an armored troop Warrant Officer Irby observed an enemy rocket propelled grenade team attempting to hide in the dense vegetation. He immediately began maneuvering his aircraft over the hostile soldiers to allow his gunners to direct suppressive fire upon them and to enable the troop commander to pin point the enemy’s location and guide his ground elements. When the enemy position had been destroyed Warrant Officer Irby continued with his reconnaissance mission. Suddenly his aircraft began receiving intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Reacting instantly he directed his aircraft in a low level sweep over the enemy positions to allow his gunners to engage the hostile elements and to pin point their position. Suddenly his aircraft was raked by a hail of enemy automatic weapons fire mortally wounding the troop commander and damaging the helicopter. In spite of the hostile fire and the damage to the aircraft Warrant Officer Irby succeeded in flying it from the contact area to a nearby base. Warrant Officer Irby’s outstanding courage and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.