Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    November 25, 1968

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 674 (February 11, 1969)

    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 (Infantry) Robert R. Stratiff (ASN: 0-4030843), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company on 25 November 1968. Captain Stratiff distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as air mission commander during a combat operation west of Duc Co. Having learned of recent enemy mining activities and consequential loss of life and property along the road to Duc Co, he made a visual reconnaissance of the area. While flying at low level to identify a group of people that had run into a tree line, his aircraft became the target of intense enemy automatic weapons fire. His ship took hits, yet he successfully marked the target with smoke. Realizing that a gunship fire team was also in the vicinity, he quickly vectored it toward the enemy location, and flew through enemy fire to mark the target. After two gunship runs on the enemy positions, enemy activity on the ground ceased. In an effort to determine the effectiveness of the gunship’s fire, he made another precariously low pass, observed muzzle flashes from a previously undetected weapons position, and directed the gunships’ fire onto the new target. Captain Stratiff’s brilliant leadership and inimitable flying skill contributed immensely to the total destruction of an enemy force. 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.