Dana A. Johndro

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Dana A. Johndro, Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 361st Aviation Company (Escort), 52d Aviation Battalion (Combat), 17th Aviation Group (Combat), 1st Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer W2 Johndro distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 March 1971 while serving as the air mission commander of a light fire team of four helicopter gunships during an emergency extraction of allied personnel at Fire Support Base 6. Upon notification that thirty-three survivors, including nine Americans, were trying to avoid capture by a large enemy force, Warrant Officer Johndro requested the allies to move to an extraction point. Flying through darkness and inclement weather, he returned to the contact area after refueling at Kontum. Receiving heavy enemy flak, Mister Johndro directed his accompanying gunships in their suppressive fire upon the belligerents’ positions. Amid a barrage of enemy fusillade, Mister Johndro hovered his aircraft and placed devastating fire upon the approaching foe at point blank range. This action enabled the survivors to be loaded upon rescue helicopters and safely evacuated from the besieged area. Chief Warrant Officer W2 Johndro’s extraordinary heroism 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.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2264-340 (June 29, 1971)