Page 78 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

WILLIAM H. HARSE
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
NORMAN C. KNODT
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Norman C. Knodt, Warrant Officer, United States Army, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Warrant Officer Knodt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 11 August, 1968, while serving as an aircraft commander of an armed helicopter with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry during a combat mission in the Republic of Vietnam. While screening for American ground troops, Warrant Officer Knodt voluntarily hovered his aircraft over tall elephant grass,
exposing hidden NVA soldiers. Disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly flew through intense automatic weapons fire to rake the enemy positions with rockets and machine gun fire. Warrant Officer Knodt, after neutralizing the insurgents, landed his aircraft and recovered enemy weapons and equipment. Warrant Officer Knodt’s 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.
Cross to William H. Harse, First Lieutenant, Air Corps, 57th Fighter Group for extraordinary achievement
flew on a two-plane armed reconnaissance
award of the Distinguished Flying
while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a P-47 type aircraft. On 22 April, 1945, Lieutenant Harse
mission over enemy communication lines in
Northern Italy. Displaying great courage and
superior flying ability as he pressed
repeated attacks against numerous targets in the designated
area in the face of heavy enemy ground fire, Lieutenant Harse
destroyed or damaged three armored vehicles, three motor
transports and an industrial installation, inflicting many
casualties upon their personnel. On ninety combat missions,
his outstanding proficiency end steadfast devotion to duty
have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed
Forces of the United States.
78 / DFCS News Magazine / SUMMER 2020