The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) George V. Ellis (ASN: 0-64378), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 May 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander of the 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry. On that date, Colonel Ellis was flying aboard his Command and Control Helicopter and coordinating the sweep of a friendly company through an area near Xuan Thanh when the ground unit encountered a large North Vietnamese Army force. Quickly assessing the tactical situation, Colonel Ellis ordered a cavalry platoon to move in and reinforce the infantry company. In addition, he directed his pilot to make a series of low level passes over the contact area so that the Command Group could mark key enemy positions with smoke and call in air strikes. During this time, Colonel Ellis personally engaged a number of the hostile emplacements and succeeded in greatly alleviating pressure on the elements. On two occasions the aircraft touched down to re-supply the ground units with ammunition. Both times, Colonel Ellis unhesitatingly assumed an exposed position and placed suppressive fire on the insurgents to enable the ship to safely leave the landing zone. While continuing to fly about the battle area, the Command and Control Helicopter received several direct hits and was forced to make an emergency landing. Colonel Ellis immediately acquired another ship, returned to the site, and continued to locate hostile positions. As darkness approached, he ordered flare ships to the area and directed them to search the battle zone throughout the night. A search that day resulted in finding 59 enemy soldiers dead and the capture of many weapons. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) George V. Ellis (ASN: 0-64378), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 April 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander of the 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry. On that date, a reconnaissance platoon was establishing its night defensive position near Tan Loe when it was attacked by a large enemy force. The heavily armed insurgents inflicted several casualties on the friendly element and damaged the platoon’s M-60 machinegun. Upon monitoring a distress call from his command post at Landing Zone Debbie, Colonel Ellis immediately scrambled his Command and Control Helicopter, secured a machinegun and ammunition, and ordered his pilot to proceed to the point of contact. As the aircraft arrived at the site, Colonel Ellis quickly assessed the tactical situation and directed his pilot to orbit over the enemy positions and place suppressive fire on the insurgents. After several strategic emplacements had been silenced, he motioned for the helicopter to descend to an emergency landing zone so that the machinegun and ammunition could be taken to the besieged element and then resumed his aerial support. He assisted in providing covering fire which enabled the beleaguered reconnaissance platoon to regroup and establish security once again. His courageous actions were instrumental in minimizing casualties among his fellow soldiers and in thwarting the enemy attack. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.