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 (Infantry) William H. Cox, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a member of Detachment 1, 2d Aviation Company (Infantry Division), while participating in aerial flight over the Alaskan Mountain Range west of Gulkana, Alaska, on 18 October 1957. While refueling at Gulkana before continuing to lead a fight of three H-23 helicopters on a ferrying missions from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Captain Cox was requested by local Civic Aeronautics Authority officials to divert his flight to assist in the rescue of a civilian pilot who, with his wife and three small children, had crashed into a snow-covered mountain the previous day. Upon reaching the scene of the accident and learning that the pilot had wandered away to find help, careful search in the darkness over a large area of heavily wooded terrain disclosed a faint light indicating the possible location of the downed pilot. When it was determined that in view of an impending fuel shortage a night landing in the dense forests would be impossible. Captain Cox directed his companions to return to a safe landing to refuel while he hovered over the area where the light was seen. Despite the fuel gauge registering empty and the severely limited maneuvering space, Captain Cox realized the extreme urgency of rescuing the downed pilot and disregarded these hazards to his own safety and attempted a landing in the heavily wooded area. On the first attempt the injured pilot clutched frantically at the aircraft skids and it was necessary for Captain Cox to hover just above the ground until he was able to land without danger to the victim. After taking the man aboard he maneuvered the helicopter up through the trees and flew him to safety. Captain Cox’s courageous and heroic action undoubtedly saved the pilot from certain death from injuries, shock, and exposure, and reflects the utmost credit on himself and the military service.