Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer Robert Ray Fladry, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 20 December 1989 while serving as a Pilot with Company A, 160th Special Operations Aviation Group (Airborne), 1st Special Operations Command, as Pilot in Command of an assault helicopter formation during Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama. During combat actions against an alerted and heavily armed hostile enemy force, with no regard for his own personal safety, he continued inbound through intense enemy small arms, heavy machine gun, and anti-aircraft fire to land and drop off the ground assault force. He then returned through the same intense enemy fire to pick up the assault force, thereby guaranteeing the successful accomplishment of the mission. Chief Warrant Officer Fladry’s heroic and gallant actions reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer Four

    Regiment:

    160th Special Operations Aviation Group (Airborne)

    Division:

    1st Special Operations Command

    Action Date:

    September 21 – October 9, 1987

    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 Chief Warrant Officer Four Robert Ray Fladry, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight during the period 21 September 1987 to 9 October 1987, while assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Group (Airborne), 1st Special Operations Command (Airborne). Chief Warrant Officer Fladry demonstrated exceptional valor, as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Chief Warrant Officer Fladry distinguished himself by valorous actions while flying in formation, very low, over water, fifty miles at sea, under zero illumination conditions, using night vision goggles. Chief Warrant Officer Fladry’s voluntary actions successfully accomplished a mission of national command authority, priority and were in keeping with the finest traditions of military service reflecting great credit on him, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group, and the United States Army.