(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Warrant Officer Ernest V. Hensel, Jr., United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as pilot of an armed UH-1B helicopter in support of a besieged rifle platoon in the Republic of Vietnam, in 1966. A member of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Warrant Officer Hensel continually exposed his aircraft to intense enemy ground fire in an attempt to draw fire away from the besieged rifle platoon. When his aircraft’s ammunition was completely expended, he refused to leave the area until a relief armed helicopter team arrived. Meanwhile, he flew simulated firing passes over the enemy, allowing the door gunners to drop empty ammunition boxes, C-ration cases and smoke grenades and breaking-up the enemy attack on the completely surrounded rifle platoon. Warrant Officer Hensel is credited with helping the platoon be extracted with a minimum loss of life. Upon departing the area, he landed to rescue the crew of an accompanying helicopter downed by enemy fire.