Page 5 - DFCS News Magazine Winter 2011

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Four Brent S. Cole for heroism and expert airmanship on 22 May 2009 in Afghanistan. While piloting a critical escort mission, his AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter ex-
perienced an engine malfunction. Due to his exceptional skills as a Pilot-in-Command, Chief Warrant Officer Four Cole flew his disabled aircraft, fully loaded with Hellfire missiles, rockets, and 30MM ammunition, into a controlled crash that saved the life of his front-seat pilot. Chief Warrant Officer Four Cole’s heroic ac- tions are in keeping with the finest
traditions of Army Aviation and reflect great credit upon him, Task Force Wolfpack, Task Force Pega- sus, the International Security As- sistance Force, and the United States Army.
Captain Dane P. Nash is awarded the Distin- guished Flying Cross for heroism while partici- pating in aerial flight, as evidenced by voluntary ac- tions above and beyond the call of duty in the Re- public of Vietnam. Captain Nash distinguished him- self by valorous actions on 21 July 1967, while serv-
ing as a rotary wing aviator when he was notified that a road convoy had been attacked by an estimated two battalions of Viet Cong. Flying at maximum speed and power, Captain Nash soon arrived at the scene and immediately began to direct covering fire for the evacuation of a downed aircraft. When the disabled helicopter had been extracted from the battle site, Captain Nash bravely directed his efforts toward repelling the aggressors. In total disregard for his own safety, he personally selected targets and made daring passes upon the fanatical attackers. Alertly observing a large group of insurgents attempting to flee across an open field, Captain Nash gave chase. He executed a steep, diving attack so that his crew members could deliver highly accu- rate automatic weapons fire upon the enemy. As Captain Nash pulled out of the dive, he was hit and critically injured by wither- ing ground fire. Captain Nash's extreme courage, outstanding flying ability, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the high- est traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the United States Army.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Chief Radioman Pancrazio F. Arci- ciacono for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Radioman of a heavy Bomber Plane in Bombing Squadron One Hundred One during
operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Is- lands Area from January to September 1943. Participating in patrol, reconnaissance and attack missions and in numerous strikes against the enemy during this period, Aviation Chief Radi- oman Arciciacono contributed materially to the success of his plane in the infliction of extensive damage on the Japanese de- spite hostile aerial opposition and anti-aircraft fire. His courage and devotion to duty in the
face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest tradi- tions of the United States Naval Service.
Aviation Ord-
nanceman
Second Class Bernard R. Jaskiewicz is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordi- nary achievement in aerial flight as Starboard Waist Gunner of a Liberator Bomber in Patrol Bombing
Squadron One Hundred Nine, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Volcano and Bonin Islands Areas from July 14 to July 20, 1944. Participating in the first attacks by land-based avia- tion against hostile air facilities and shipping at Chichi Jima, Ha- ha Jima and Iwo Jima, Jaskiewicz braved intense anti-aircraft fire in attacks which destroyed six coastal vessels, three oil and am- munition dumps, five grounded aircraft and a seaplane, and probably destroyed nine other planes. In addition, he contribut- ed materially to the success of his flight in seriously damaging an enemy destroyer, two destroyer escorts, two cargo vessels, eight coastal ships, five seaplanes and numerous Naval and radio in- stallations. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to DAVID W. KUNKEL , Lieutenant Command- er, United States Coast Guard. LTC Kunkel on 5 Sep- tember 1983 flew a HH-3F helicopter 60 miles off the northern California coast in 45-knot winds and 18-
foot seas, to rescue three individuals from a vessel adrift in a storm. Upon arrival, after being dispatched from Air Station Asto- ria, he maneuvered the aircraft over the stern of the 75 foot boat despite a wildly swinging 45 foot mast, heavy winds and heavy seas as darkness fell, maintaining a stable position so that a hoist could be conducted. During the second hoist, an adult crewman on the vessel became entangled in one of the lines. Responding immediately to the hoist operator's emergency 'Down" com- mand, Commander Kunkel saved the crewmember's life by drop- ping the aircraft allowing the crewman to untangle. A four-year- old girl was also hoisted to safety. With the victims aboard he returned to the Air Station. His actions and aeronautical skill were a major contribution in the saving of three lives. Lieutenant Commander Kunkel's courage, judg-
ment and devotion to duty are most
heartily commended and are in keep-
ing with the highest traditions of the
United States Coast Guard. David W.
Kunkel is a member of the Distin-
guished Flying Cross Society.
Page 5 The Distinguished Flying Cross News