The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918, (amended by act of 25 July 1963) has awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Four Keith Yoakum, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action: Chief Warrant Officer Four Keith Yoakum, Company A, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, distinguished himself as a Pilot of an AH-64D Longbow Apache on 2 February 2007 while engaged in aerial operations in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During as reconnaissance mission. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum’s aircraft was seriously damaged by heavy enemy machine gun fire, which required him to land immediately. Without regard for his own safety and to protect his comrades. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum chose to remain with his wingman to destroy the enemy. With his main gun inoperable, his only option was to climb in altitude and then dive while firing his Apache’s rockets. Ultimately, the aircraft succumbed to its battle damage and crashed. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum’s distinctive accomplishments and dedication to service to his country are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 1 st Cavalry Division, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the United States Army.