Page 70 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

STEVEN R. ANDRESEN
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Steven R. Andresen, Private First Class E3, USA, 334th Armed Helicopter Company, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Private First Class Andresen distinguished himself by heroic actions on 26 December, 1966 while serving as crew chief-gunner on a “Fire Fly” mission near Can Giuoc, Republic of Vietnam. The fire team arrived at the area of a suspected Viet Cong river crossing and discovered numerous sampans. The low ship immediately engaged these targets, with Private First Class Andresen putting out a tremendous
volume of suppressive fire. At this time the enemy ground fire was very intense. It was his suppressing fire, given even to the extent of his hanging out of the aircraft to the limits of his safety belt to shoot under the ship, that enabled the aircraft commander to concentrate on the sampans rather than the enemy fire. During the entire action, his skill with the M-60 machinegun and his determination contributed to the destruction of 111 sampans, and the destruction of a large quantity of Viet Cong rice. Because of his extreme aggressiveness, the Viet Cong’s transportation system had been dealt a severe blow. 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.
MARK S. STEVENS
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Mark S. Stevens, WO1, 100B, A Trp, 2nd Sqdn (Ambl), 17th Cav (WABOAO), for heroism involving aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 November, 1969. Warrant Officer Stevens distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H helicopter on an extraction mission near Fire Support Base Blaze, Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Stevens volunteered to fly the mission in marginal weather conditions, even though two previous extraction attempts had failed. The five-man team had been
out for six days in treacherous terrain and were suffering from lack of food and exposure to weather. Warrant Officer Stevens, utilizing radio homing techniques, was able to get within 100 meters of the team’s cloud covered location. His first attempt at pickup failed, but with calm determination he hovered through the clouds and extracted the team in two sorties. Although critically low on fuel and flying on instruments, Warrant Officer Stevens flew all the personnel to a nearby fire base, refueled, and arrived home with the team safely aboard. Warrant Officer Stevens’ personal bravery 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.
70 / DFCS News Magazine / SUMMER 2020