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 Captain (Infantry) William H. Sheehan, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 17 September 1970 while serving as a pilot with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Captain Sheehan was on a medical evacuation mission for wounded members of the Aero Rifle Platoon. Arriving at the area of contract, Captain Sheehan discovered that the round unit was still in contact and did not have sufficient time to prepare a landing zone. He nevertheless piloted his craft through enemy ground to air fire to an area near the platoon. Once on the ground Captain Sheehan further discovered that the ground unit was pinned down by enemy fire, making it impossible to move the wounded. Returning to the air, he directed his door gunners to support the platoon with machine gun fire, and then he skillfully hovered his craft to the contact area where the wounded lay. He landed in the face of severe enemy fire and personally helped load the wounded aboard his ship. Through his gallant efforts, the casualties were safely and swiftly evacuated. Captain Sheehan’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.