Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain George H. Mitchell, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Mitchell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while piloting an observation helicopter for H Troop, 10th Air Cavalry. The Air Cavalry team was working in the vicinity of Kontum, which was under heavy attack by NVA forces. Captain Mitchell, who was flying at tree top level, came under enemy fire, radioed in the enemy’s position and broke out of the area and climbed to a higher altitude to direct the gunships against the enemy. After the gunship strikes, Captain Mitchell again went into the area at tree top level and came under large caliber machine gun fire. Instead of departing the area, he attacked the enemy position with deadly and accurate mini gun fire, destroying the enemy machine gun and aided in neutralizing an enemy force of unknown size. 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.