Page 56 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2018-2

Donald D. Groenemann
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Donald D. Groenemann, First Lieutenant, Artillery, United States Army, 116th Assault Helicopter Company, Republic of Vietnam, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Lieutenant Groenemann distinguished himself by heroic actions on 2 May 1967 while serving as fire team leader in a gunship supporting the 3/47 Infantry. During this period, he tirelessly and repeatedly exposed himself to intensive enemy automatic weapons fire while leading his fire team. His uncanny ability to seek out and
destroy the groups of Viet Cong with no concern for his personal safety is a credit to his profession. When he was not engaged in destroying enemy targets, he was leading medevacs and resupply aircraft through a veritable wall of flack to the beleaguered ground troops. At one point his weapons
system malfunctioned, but he continued his suppressive fire
support until his fuel was nearly exhausted and was forced to leave his station. Using a field expedient, he repaired his weapons system and was back on station in near record time. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Irving W. Timmerman
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Irving W. Timmerman, Sergeant, United States Army, Troop B, 3rd Armored Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 3 August 1969 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Sergeant Timmerman distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as observer on an OH-6A helicopter conducting a visual reconnaissance in support of friendly infantry near Duc Hoa. Searching to the front of the friendly unit, the pilot spotted six enemy and engaged them with his
min-gun, all the while receiving fire from several well camouflaged positions. Sergeant Timmerman returned this fire, killing two and marking several positions. Spotting the flash from an enemy rocket launcher, he vectored the pilot to the area. On spotting the enemy soldier, Sergeant Timmerman leaped
from his ship and physically escorted the prisoner to an area
where the pilot could land. On returning to the area in a
replacement aircraft, he located several bunkers and placed highly
effective suppressive fire on them, killing one. When the ship was
hit at point blank range by automatic weapons fire, it crashed in
flames. Throughout the mission his bravery and professionalism
were exemplary. His actions were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
56 / DFCS News Magazine / WINTER 2018