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 Colonel (Armor) Donn Albert Starry, 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 regimental Commander with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while on a visual reconnaissance mission Colonel Starry directed his pilot toward Troop C area of operation. Learning that contact had been made with elements of a Viet Cong Division and a squadron command and control of the tactical situation. He immediately adjusted artillery and aerial gunships as well as giving ground commanders tactical instructions. While maneuvering the craft to continue adjusting artillery, the command and control helicopter began to receive intense enemy ground fire. He redirected the friendly fire to silence the enemy’s weapons, while keeping his craft circling the area. Due to a heavy cloud cover, visibility became very poor and necessitated bringing the helicopter down to a lower altitude to enable him to maintain control of the tactical situation. Repeatedly Colonel Starry instructed his pilot to make many low level passes, despite the obvious danger from the enemy ground emplacements, to access the battle situation. On one such maneuver he directed the crew to engage a series of spider holes. Simultaneously the enemy responded with an intense fusillade which struck his craft. Colonel Starry shifted the artillery fire into the area and disregarding the hazards of the ground fire, continued keeping the craft orbiting the target area to direct the fire until the enemy guns were silenced. L He still remained aloft to maneuver the ground elements and artillery, which accounted for numerous enemy casualties. When the Squadron command helicopter arrived he and his pilot land to inspect the battle damage and injury to the craft. Colonel Starry’s outstanding courage and 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.