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) Frederick R. Schimke, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 12 August 1969 while serving as a pilot and gunner with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date his gunship was providing support for a light observation helicopter searching for a main North Vietnamese Army escape route. As the scout ship was maneuvering, it suddenly came under heavy automatic weapons fire from a well-concealed machine gun emplacement. Warrant Officer Schimke immediately began placing accurate grenade and mini gun fire on the position until the enemy activity ceased. He was then diverted to support a Vietnamese mechanized unit in heavy combat. Making low level passes of the area, he continued to provide support fire until his ship was struck with machine gun fire, wounding him. Although seriously injured, he continued to deliver his ordnance until the weapons system was rendered useless by hostile fire. Warrant Officer Schimke’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.