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 Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Vito Bubell, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 20 January 1970, while serving as a helicopter gunship pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Warrant Officer Bubell was providing support for a reconnaissance mission when a large enemy force began firing upon his observation aircraft. Warrant Officer Bubell immediately flew into the heaviest concentrations of enemy fire, placing accurate volleys of rocket fire on the enemy positions. After the crash of an accompanying helicopter, Warrant Officer Bubell flew dangerously low over the area, investigating the crash for survivors and providing suppressive fire around the downed ship until other helicopters could reach the area. Chief Warrant Officer Bubell’s 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.

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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Vito Bubell, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 10 July 1969 while serving as a helicopter commander with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date he volunteered to fly with a light fire team in support of one of the regiment’s armored troops engaged with an enemy force. Despite darkness and heavy rain he provided effective supporting fire for the ground elements. During the fierce engagement one of the helicopter gunships crashed because of the bad weather conditions. Continuing to disregard the darkness and the heavy rain, Warrant Officer Bubell remained in the area to provide security for the crew of the downed aircraft until an evacuation helicopter arrived at the scene of the crash. Warrant Officer Bubell’s courage and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.