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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joe D. Underwood, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, Colorado, on 13 and 14 October 1957. When an Air Force Jet Trainer T-33 crashed at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet on Cheyenne Mountain; Lieutenant Underwood voluntarily made three flights in an H-13 helicopter to identify, recover and evacuate bodies from the scene of the crash. With complete disregard for his own safety and despite dangerous air currents, sheer hazardous peaks, inadequate landing area, heavy rain storms at the crash location, and with full knowledge that aircraft failure or misjudgment might have meant certain death, Lieutenant Underwood accomplished this mission above and beyond the call of duty. In the performance of this perilous task he continuously maintained and displayed unlimited physical endurance and professional competence. His prompt and courageous action in the face of grave danger reflects the utmost credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.