VFW Post 764 Wall of Valor

During the regular membership meeting of VFW Post 764 on August 19, 2004, the membership voted to dedicate National POW-MIA Day to Paul Urquhart every year until his status is changed. The Wall of Valor Committee decided to dedicate a plaque honoring CPT Urquhart, even though his decorations did not qualify him for Wall of Valor induction.
While serving with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry of the ‘Screaming Eagles’ during his second tour of duty, Captain Urquhart’s helicopter was shot down in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. He remains listed as “Missing in Action / Body Not Recovered.” Captain Urquhart resided on Old Oak Road in Peters Township and his Home of Record is listed as McMurray, PA.

	Captain Paul Dean Urquhart US Army Republic of Vietnam 28 May 1971
	Memorial Day 1971 - On 28 May 1971, CPT Paul D. Urquhart, pilot, and SP5 Stephen Chavira, gunner, comprised the crew of an OH6A helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission. Their area of operation included the extremely rugged jungle covered mountains between the South Vietnamese/Lao border and the northern most portion of the infamous A Shau Valley, Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam. This area also included a primary gateway from the equally notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail into strategic sections of northern South Vietnam. When North Vietnam began to increase its military strength in South Vietnam, NVA and Viet Cong troops again intruded on neutral Laos for sanctuary, as the Viet Minh had done during the war with the French some years before. This border road was used by the Communists to transport weapons, supplies and troops from North Vietnam into South Vietnam, and was frequently no more than a path cut through the jungle covered mountains. US forces used all assets available to them to stop this flow of men and supplies from moving south into the war zone. The Loach and a UH1A Huey helicopter were operating as a two-aircraft "Hunter" team for a pair of UH1C Huey gunships operating as the "Killer" team conducting a "Hunter-Killer" mission against communist activity in the area. The hunter aircraft were flying at an altitude of approximately 30 feet when one of the killer gunship aircraft commanders saw an enemy rocket propelled grenade (RPG) round strike the Loach. The shell exploded causing the tail boom to bend in half and the helicopter to go out of control. It then exploded into flames, crashed and continued to burn on the top of a small knoll located in the rugged jungle covered mountains approximately 2 miles northeast of the South Vietnamese/Lao border and the same distance southwest of a primary road leading from the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This road ran east/west from the border eastward to a point near the northern tip of the A Shau Valley. It then turned south-southeast running along the full length of the east side of the dense jungle covered valley. The burning wreckage cleared an area about 25 meters around the crash site thus permitting a clear view of the downed aircraft by other aircrews. Witnesses reported seeing no one thrown clear of the wreckage and saw no survivors on the ground after the crash. Because of the extreme hostile threat in the area, no ground search was possible. Likewise, because of the circumstances surrounding this loss, and at the time the visual search conducted by the other aircraft on this mission was terminated, Paul Urquhart and Stephen Chavira were immediately listed Killed in Action/Body Not Recovered. On 7 June 1971, another aerial reconnaissance of the crash site and surrounding area was conducted in the hope that some trace of CPT Urquhart and SP5 Chavira could be found. Unfortunately, no sign of survivors or the bodies of the two missing crewmen were seen from the air. Continuous enemy activity in the area once again prevented a ground team from being inserted into the crash site to investigate it more thoroughly. (More)

SILVER STAR

The Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for award of the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. Soldiers who received a citation for gallantry in action during World War I may apply to have the citation converted to the Silver Star Medal.

	Sergeant First Class Russell J. Bateman, Jr. US Army 5th Airborne Battalion Republic of Vietnam April 13-14, 1971
	Sergeant Bateman was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action on April 13-14, 1971 while serving as a Light Weapons Advisor to 54 Company. His duties were to hold a night defensive position, but as morning approached, the unit received an intense barrage of mortar, rocket and small arms fire. When the requested gunships arrived, without regard for his own personal safety, Bateman exposed himself to the hail of fire while marking the enemy position with smoke. Seizing this moment of fire superiority, he joined the company commander, rallied the paratroopers and led a savage assault on the stunned, but still deadly North Vietnamese Army soldiers. During the battle, he could be seen engaging and striking down the enemy with his pistol at ranges of less than 3 meters.

	Private John E. Housley US Army 335th Infantry Regt. 84th I.D. - Europe 29 November 1944
	Private John E. Housley, 335th Infantry, United States Army. For gallantry in action against the enemy in Germany, 29 November 1944. When his company was subjected to heavy enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire during an attack, Private Housley, performing duty as a medical aid man, with complete disregard for his personal safety under fire, administered first aid to a large number of casualties as no other aid men were available. In the performance of his difficult task, Private Housley was seriously wounded while crawling approximately 200 yards under machine gun and sniper fire to aid a wounded soldier. The superior performance of duty, courage and unselfish actions displayed by Private Housley, without doubt, resulted in the saving of many lives and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

	Private First Class Robert J. Matthews US Army 104th Infantry Division Germany - World War II 24 February 1945
	Private First Class Robert J. Matthews was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action with Company L, 413th Infantry in Germany on February 24, 1945. When his platoon was pinned down in the open by enemy machine guns with superior fire power, Matthews immediately put his light machine gun into action. At one point he voluntarily rushed twenty yards into the face of the enemy to gain a better position in order to cover the withdrawal of his comrades while the enemy concentrated to knock him out. His gallant action exemplifies the finest traditions of the American combat soldier.

	Colonel Donald F. Neff US Marine Corps Reserve Japan 10 July 1944
	Colonel Neff was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company A, Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian Island on July 10, 1944. While a 2nd Lieutenant, Neff led his three-man night patrol on a hydrographic reconnaissance to a landing beach; and, swimming ashore with only a knife, observed enemy activity. Determined to complete his primary objective and find an exit from the beach, he proceeded alone and found a footpath over which friendly troops landing on a beach could advance. Returning to his men, he guided the patrol back to their battalion. His leadership, perseverance and fortitude in fulfilling an important assignment reflect the highest credit on him and the U.S. Naval Service.

	First Lieutenant Jerome G. Schweickert US Army Air Forces 94th Fighter Squadron Mediterranean 13 April 1944
	Jerome G. Schweickert, First Lieutenant, 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group. For gallantry in action as pilot of a P-38 type aircraft. On 13 April 1944, Lt. Schweickert led his squadron as escort to heavy bombers over Austria. Approaching the target, his formation was attacked by approximately forty (40) enemy fighters, persistently attempting to penetrate the fighter cover to attack and break up the bomber formation. Despite the superiority in numbers of enemy aircraft, displaying outstanding leadership, courage, aggressiveness and combat skill, Lt. Schweickert so effectively disposed his formation that all attacks were successfully repulsed, thus enabling the bomber formation to complete a highly successful mission unmolested. Throughout the aerial battle, though fighting against overwhelming odds, Lt. Schweickert successfully destroyed two (2) enemy aircraft. By his conspicuous courage, outstanding leadership and intense devotion to duty, as evidenced throughout over sixty-two (62) successful missions against the enemy. Lt Schweickert has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

	Private First Class Thomas A. Shipe US Army 503d Infantry 173d Airborne Republic of Vietnam 19 September 1970
	Private First Class Shipe distinguished himself by heroic actions on 19 September 1970, while serving as a rifleman on a combat operation in the Nui Mieu mountains in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, while searching for a Viet Cong Political Prisoner of War camp in an area known to contain many enemy soldiers, Private Shipe's element spotted an enemy soldier at the entrance to a cave and took him under fire. Realizing the importance of intelligence that could be obtained from inside the cave, Private Shipe volunteered to be one of two men to enter and search it. After entering the cave a short distance he came under enemy fire at a very close range and was immediately wounded. He began to return fire in the direction of the enemy muzzle flash in order to enable his comrade to reach the cave entrance and signal for help. He continued to return fire until he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire, sacrificing his own life in an attempt to accomplish the mission. By his valorous actions he imparted a sense of urgency, purpose, and determination to the men that ultimately played a key role in the success of the mission. His efforts proved to be the force that helped disrupt the enemy's mission and indirectly saved the lives of many other comrades. (More)

	First Lieutenant Walter G. Stockdale US Army Company A 19th Tank Battalion Europe 29 December 1944
	The Silver Star is awarded to First Lieutenant Walter G. Stockdale, Cavalry (Armd), Company A, 19th Tank Battalion, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against the enemy at Senonchamps, Belgium, on 29 December 1944. The tank commanded by First Lieutenant Stockdale was disabled by enemy anti-tank fire and he sustained a fractured knee. Despite the hindrance of his painful injury, First Lieutenant Stockdale skillfully removed a seriously wounded crew member from the burning tank and slowly and laboriously carried him through concentrated enemy artillery fire to medical aid. The unflinching devotion to duty, utter disregard for personal safety, and loyalty to a wounded soldier displayed by First Lieutenant Stockdale undoubtedly saved the man’s life, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

	Gunner’s Mate Second Class Walter Trbovich US Navy USS Bennion Pacific 12 April 1945
	The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to Walter Trbovich, Gunner’s Mate Second Class, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Gun Captain of a 40-mm Mount on board the U.S.S. BENNION, in action against enemy Japanese forces, in the vicinity of Okinawa, April 12, 1945. Although wounded when his ship was damaged by a savage Japanese suicide attack, TRBOVICH rendered first aid to the more seriously wounded and remanning his gun with reliefs, continued to defend his ship. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

	Private First Class George C. Yates US Army Infantry Cebu, Phillipine Islands 29 March 1945
	Awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action at Cebu, Phillipine Islands on 29 March 1945. During an advance along a heavily mined road, Private Yates was a member of a group acting as security for a group of mine detector operators and demolition men who were locating and disarming mines in front of a column of tanks. Soon after the advance started enemy cross fire killed two men and seriously wounded three others. It was impossible for the tanks to move forward without crushing the wounded and dead men. Realizing this, Private Yates and another member of the squad crawled under the cross fire to the wounded men and dragged them from the path of the tanks. They then crawled out and moved the dead men to the side of the road, thus enabling the tanks to move forward and neutralize the enemy position. Private Yates' courage and disregard for his own safety aided immeasurably in saving the lives of the three wounded soldiers.
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted man of the Armed Forces of the United States who shall have distinguished himself in actual combat in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The decoration may also be given for an act performed prior to November 11, 1918, when the individual has been recommended for, but has not received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Distinguished Service Medal.

	First Lieutenant James H. Amick US Army Air Forces 322nd Bomb Group Germany 24 March 1945
	First Lieutenant James H. Amick was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement as a pilot of a B-26 aircraft while leading a flight against the enemy near the Remagen bridgehead on March 24, 1945. When faulty bombing equipment thwarted the first bombing effort, Lt. Amick made two further attempts to strike the target, despite serious anti-aircraft opposition. Suffering from a dwindling supply of fuel, with a reduced flight of three aircraft, he made a successful attack on the secondary target. Amick's determination and courage while facing severe resistance from enemy fire, combined with overcoming mechanical difficulties in order to achieve successful bombing results were evident as a devotion in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.

	First Lieutenant David H. Auyer US Air Force 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron Vietnam War 25 September 1972
	First Lieutenant David H. Auyer distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F4-E Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 25 September 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Auyer flew in support of friendly forces attacking a known heavily defended enemy location and storage area. Despite intense accurate antiaircraft fire, Lieutenant Auyer, in multiple passes, delivered his ordnance precisely on target destroying three fortified fighting positions, yielding several secondary explosions, and allowing friendly forces to occupy the area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Auyer reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

	Technical Sergeant George E. Fraudin US Army Air Forces 335th Bomb Squadron 95th Bomb Group 8th Air Force Europe
	The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to T/Sgt George E. Fraudin for extraordinary achievement, while serving as an air crew member on a B-17 airplane during many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe. Throughout these operations, Fraudin displayed outstanding courage, ability and devotion to duty. Fraudin's determination and courage while facing severe resistance from enemy fire, combined with overcoming mechanical difficulties in order to achieve successful bombing results were evident in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.

	Second Lieutenant Robert W. Hockelberg US Army Air Forces Pilot CBI 14 May 1945
	Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in more than one hundred hours of aerial flight over territory in Burma where exposure to enemy fire was probable and expected. Flying unarmed cargo aircraft, Lt. Hockelberg and crew members brought troops, supplies, and heavy equipment over hazardous mountain terrain into the forward areas. Their devotion to duty and degree of efficiency, above and beyond that normally expected reflect great credit on themselves and on the Army Air Forces of the United States.

	Staff Sergeant Robert C. Johnson US Air Force 6994th Security Squadron Republic of Vietnam 12 March 1972
	Staff Sergeant Robert C. Johnson distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-47 Airborne Morse Systems Operator at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 March 1972. Sergeant Johnson flew a long and arduous mission through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire and attack. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished this highly intricate and hazardous mission in support of free world forces combating aggression. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill, he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

	First Lieutenant John J. Kavanaugh US Army Air Forces 5th Air Force Pacific September 11 - November 22, 1943
	Lieutenant Kavanaugh was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement during sustained operational activity against the enemy as a pilot of C-47's and C-46's on missions from New Guinea, Beak and the Phillipines. Missions included dropping supplies, transporting troops to advanced positions and evacuating the wounded. Flights involved flying at low altitudes over mountainous terrain under adverse weather conditions in an unarmed transport airplane, which often necessitated landing within a few miles of enemy bases where hostile contact was both probable and expected. Lt. Kavanaugh flew 122 combat missions and logged 512 combat flying hours. Throughout these operations, outstanding courage, ability and devotion to duty were displayed.

	Lieutenant Kenneth G. Keisel US Army Air Forces C-46 Pilot, Air Transport Command China-Burma-India 1944
	Under authority contained in General Orders No. 183, Hq, AAF, India-Burma Sector, China Burma India Theater, dated 13 October 1944, the Distinguished Flying Cross is hereby awarded to Lt. Kenneth G. Keisel for extraordinary achievement by participating in more than three hundred hours of operational flight in transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult Assam-China air routes, where enemy interception and attack was probable and expected. Flying at night as well as by day, at high altitudes over impassable, mountainous terrain through areas characterized by extremely treacherous weather conditions necessitating long periods of operation on instruments, often encountering severe icing conditions and mechanical difficulties requiring courageous and superior performance of his respective duties to overcome, he accomplished his missions with distinction. His achievement in the face of the hazards and difficulties faced regularly and continuously with steadfast devotion to duty, reflects much credit on himself and the Army Air Forces of the United States.

	Technical Sergeant Joseph Lubas US Army Air Forces Radio Operator Germany 1944
	Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while serving as Radio Operator of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany and enemy occupied Europe, 13 August 1944, 9 September 1944 and 21 November 1944. On all these operations Sergeant Lubas exhibited exceptional proficiency and exemplary devotion to duty. In the face of the numerous hazards and difficulties inherent to combat operations, this soldier was never charged with an error on strike or other message transmissions. On one occasion Sergeant Lubas expertly administered first aid to a wounded crew member. Despite innumerable adversities on many missions, this soldier tenaciously remained at his post, performing his duties in high commendable manner. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by Sergeant Lubas reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

	Warrant Officer Joseph H. Malek III US Army Republic of Vietnam 19 November 1969
	Warrant Officer Joseph H. Malek III was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as an aircraft commander of a transport helicopter which came under heavy automatic weapons fire on November 19, 1969. Malek quickly took evasive action and called in gunships for support. After a check, he found his crewchief seriously wounded and three passengers who were less seriously injured. The aircraft was severely damaged and could crash at any time. Nevertheless, he elected to push it to the limits in order to get the wounded to medical aid. With courage and sound judgment, his immediate reactions and quick decision undoubtedly saved the aircraft and the passengers from certain destruction.

	Seaman First Class Robert Cordyn McCormack US Navy 119th Bomb Squadron Pacific March 3 - May 11, 1945
	Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as an Aircrewman of a Patrol Bomber in Patrol Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN during the operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from March 3 to May 11, 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during that period, McCormack rendered valuable assistance to his pilot and contributed materially to the success of his plane. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

	Captain John Opeka, Jr. US Army Air Forces 310th Bombardment Group Coast of Southern France 21 January 1944
	Captain John Opeka, Jr. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving as a navigator of a B-25 aircraft flying attack against the enemy on January 21, 1944. Opeka was lead navigator of a formation attacking a 10,000 ton enemy tanker off the coast of southern France. Displaying superior professional skill and determination, he guided the formation above a heavy undercast directly to the target. He then aided his bombardier in setting course for a perfect bomb run, enabling the B-25 to register direct hits which heavily damaged the enemy vessel. Throughout an excess of fifty missions, Opeka's outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.

	First Lieutenant James Puhala US Army 227th Aviation Battalion Vietnam War 8 November 1967
	For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Puhala distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 8 November 1967, while serving as an aircraft commander on a UH-1C armed helicopter during a night patrol mission in the Republic of Vietnam. When an infantry unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force, Lieutenant Puhala exposed himself to the hostile ground fire as he flew his helicopter at a low altitude over enemy positions, placing accurate machine gun and rocket fire. His actions were largely responsible for successfully repelling the enemy attack. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

	Staff Sergeant Henry G. Simon US Army Air Forces 791st Bomb Squadron 467th Bomb Group 8th Air Force Europe 9 February 1945
	The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to S/Sgt Henry G. Simon for extraordinary achievement, while serving as a Gunner on a B-24 airplane during many bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe. Displaying great courage and skill, S/Sgt Simon, fighting from his gun position, warded off many attacks and materially aided in the successful completion of each mission. The courage, coolness and exceptional skill exhibited by S/Sgt Simon on all these occasions reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

	Staff Sergeant William C. Sommer, Jr. US Air Force 6994th Security Squadron Republic of Vietnam 10 October 1971
	Staff Sergeant William C. Sommer, Jr. distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-47 Airborne Morse Systems Supervisor near DaNang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 10 October 1971. On that date, Sergeant Sommer was flying an unarmed reconnaissance mission against unfriendly forces in direct support of local ground operations. With great determination and skill, he remained in the area despite the threat of intense and accurate hostile fire. In spite of this he superbly accomplished this highly intricate and hazardous mission in support of free world forces combating aggression. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Sommer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

	Second Lieutenant Michael E. Stephan US Army 159th Aviation Battalion Republic of Vietnam 31 October 1970
	For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 and 31 October 1970. Lt. Stephan distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of a CH-47 helicopter during relief operations near Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam. When extremely heavy rains caused flooding and left many people homeless, Lt. Stephan assisted in evacuation operations. Despite extremely hazardous flying conditions, Lt. Stephan skillfully piloted his aircraft and, at one point, set the entire aircraft into the water to save several stranded people. After operations near Da Nang were completed, he flew his aircraft to Hieu Duc where he rescued nearly two hundred more flood victims. After the completion of the evacuation, Lt. Stephan returned to the battered area to deliver vital food and supplies to the homeless. Lt. Stephan’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

	First Lieutenant Phillip J. Sweeney US Army Air Forces 8th Air Force Europe 11 January 1944
	Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his extraordinary achievements while serving as a Navigator on twenty-five bombardment missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe. Displaying great courage and skill, Sweeney fought from his gun position to ward off many enemy attacks which materially aided in the success of each mission. The coolness, bravery and skill displayed by Sweeney reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.

	Sergeant Norman J. Wernert US Army Air Forces 398th Bomb Squadron 504th Bomb Group 20th Air Force Japan 15 April 1945
	The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to Sergeant Norman J. Wernert for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight 15 April 1945 from a base in the Marianas Islands. Sergeant Wernert was the Radio Operator on a B-29 aircraft on a successful night incendiary raid against the city of Kawasaki, Japan. His plane carried a heavier bomb load than any other that flew that night, and by making a successful radar run his plane dropped all of the projectiles on the target despite searchlights that held the B-29 throughout the bombing run, and flak that was intense and so accurate as to damage one engine seriously and put holes in the wing and fuselage. After the flak ceased, a fighter attacked but evasive tactics threw the enemy plane off. Later, his plane was equally successful against a flying suicide bomb, which the crew saw crash into the water. They returned safely back to base. The work of this crew aided materially in the destruction of six square miles of the city. The courage, determination and high degree of skill and teamwork shown by this veteran of many missions over Japan reflects great credit upon himself and the Army Air Forces.

	Sergeant Donald E. West US Army Air Forces CBI 1943
	Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Oak Leaf Cluster) for extraordinary achievement for participating in more than six hundred hours of operational flight. In transport aircraft over the dangerous and difficult China air routes, where enemy interception and mechanical difficulties requiring courageous and superior performance of his respective duties to overcome, Sergeant Donald West accomplished his missions with distinction. His herein achievement in the face of the hazards and difficulties faced regularly and continuously with steadfast devotion to duty, reflects much credit on Sergeant Donald West and the United States Air Force.

	First Lieutenant Ronald B. Yuss US Air Force Republic of Vietnam 28 April 1971
	Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Pilot/WSO in Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 28 April 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Yuss attacked a large hostile force that had occupied five buildings in a friendly village and had friendly troops pinned down by extremely accurate and heavy small arms fire. Despite the close proximity of the friendly villagers, heavy anti-aircraft fire, and low clouds, Lieutenant Yuss, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, courageously assisted his flight commander in extremely accurate and devastating ordnance deliveries. Lieutenant Yuss was credited with destroying the five buildings occupied by the hostile troops and inflicting numerous casualties on the hostile force thus saving many friendly lives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Yuss reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.