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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) John A. Synowsky, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 165th Aviation Group (Combat), 1st Aviation Brigade, on 8 January 1970 in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Synowsky distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander and leader of a team of helicopter gunships providing aerial fire support for ground troops near Go Dau Ha. The friendly unit was completely surrounded and was receiving heavy enemy fire, and he at once engaged the hostile positions with devastating fire. Making repeated runs, despite enemy fire aimed at his aircraft, his accurate fire support enabled the ground troops to withdraw from their perilous position. Captain Synowsky’s courage in continuing to provide fire support for the ground troops after his ship had taken fifteen hits and he himself had been wounded, resulted in the destruction of four enemy positions, and the saving of many friendly lives. Captain Synowsky’s courage, outstanding leadership and unfailing professionalism were exemplary. 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.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    December 17, 1969
    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 1962 (March 31, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Field Artillery) John A. Synowsky, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States on 17 December 1969, while serving with the 334th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Synowsky distinguished himself while serving as Aircraft Commander of a helicopter gunship supporting allied ground forces near Lai Khe. While engaging enemy gun emplacements, another helicopter was hit many times causing the tail rotor to come off. The fire team broke contact and Captain Synowsky escorted the crippled helicopter away from the battle area in an attempt to reach a secure area. Shortly thereafter, the damaged aircraft went out of control and crashed. Captain Synowsky radioed for armed helicopter cover and medical evacuation helicopters, and chose a landing site for his aircraft. The stricken craft crashed and rolled to the left, trapping the crew inside. After landing Captain Synowsky and his co-pilot raced to the wreckage. He assisted one aviator from the aircraft and led him a safe distance away from theirthe aircraft. He then raced back to the wreckage, crawled into the inverted cockpit, and shut off the fuel valve and engine. He then assisted his co-pilot in extricating the other aviator. After carrying the injured men to a clearing, he returned to his aircraft and directed the incoming armed helicopters and medical evacuation helicopters. He then returned to the injured men, and assisted in loading them aboard the medical evacuation helicopter. His courageous and selfless actions in landing in an unsecure area and extricating the injured crew from an aircraft liable to explode at any time, saved the lives of two fellow soldiers. 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.