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 Donald Vernell Aamodt (AFSN: 0-3038804), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a UH-1F Helicopter Pilot near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam on 11 August 1967. On that date, Captain Aamodt, by superior airmanship, effected the rescue of a long range reconnaissance team that was being pursued by a large hostile force. This outstanding and extremely difficult feat was accomplished in marginal weather and in a landing zone so small that the helicopter had to descend vertically over one hundred feet. Despite the possibility of an ambush from the known hostile forces in the area, Captain Aamodt lingered for precious seconds in a hover while the exhausted team was pulled on board the aircraft by his two crew chiefs. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Aamodt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.