Warrant Officer Joseph H. Malek III

U.S. 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 crew chief 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.