Captain Funderburk distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 7 December 1967 while serving as an aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during a combat mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. Upon arriving over the enemy positions, Captain Funderburk exposed himself to the heavy hostile ground fire as he maneuvered his aircraft between the friendly positions and enemy lines. Flying at a low altitude and low speed, Captain Funderburk skillfully dispersed a thick layer of smoke on the hostile emplacements, enabling the infantry unit to safely extract their wounded men. Disregarding his own safety, he then engaged the enemy emplacements with rocket fire. For his heroic actions on this date, Captain Ronald Funderburk was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with V Device, the nations highest specific award for participation in aerial flight while engaging enemy forces.