Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer (W-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    November 21, 1968

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 32 (January 2, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Warrant Officer (W-1) Martin Gehring Given (ASN: W-3160763), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 21 November 1968. Warrant Officer Given distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an unarmed helicopter on a reconnaissance mission. His ship had been equipped with a personnel detection device which required the aircraft to be flown at low levels over enemy terrain. He skillfully maneuvered the aircraft over an area that was known to have a large concentration of enemy forces. The detection device registered heavily many times revealing the enemy position. On the last pass, the aircraft came under intense enemy fire and crashed, mortally wounding Warrant Officer Given, 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.