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) Charles C. Watkins (ASN: W-3160305), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 11 January 1969 while serving as pilot of the command and control helicopter with the Aviation Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while he was conducting a visual reconnaissance mission of the regimental boundary, Warrant Officer Watkins alertly observed a squad of enemy soldiers attempting to evade the aircraft. Reacting instantly, he maneuvered his aircraft over the enemy and positioned it so that his door gunners could place effective fire on them. Though two of the enemy was hit in the initial fire, the remaining soldiers began directing intense fire toward the aircraft. Disregarding his personal safety, Warrant Officer Watkins made repeated passes over the enemy positions, thus enabling his door gunners and the commanding officer to pin the enemy down until reinforcements arrived. A subsequent ground search of the area revealed three enemy soldiers killed and seven pounds of important documents captured. Warrant Officer Watkins’ outstanding courage and devotion 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.