Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    November 13, 1968

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 198 (January 14, 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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Joseph V. McDonough (ASN: W-3159030), 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 13 November 1968. Warrant Officer McDonough distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed UH-1C helicopter. While he was re-fueling at Camp Holloway with his wingman after an emergency night MEDEVAC mission, the base came under enemy rocket attack. With very little fuel, he ascended amidst exploding rockets and headed in the direction of the rocket launching sites. Despite enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he engaged an enemy rocket site with 2.75 inch rockets and his mini-gun, and totally destroyed it on the first firing pass. Due to an extremely low fuel level and combat damage to his aircraft, Warrant Officer McDonough had to depart the area, but his wingman destroyed the second site. 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.