The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) John A. Shoemaker (ASN: W-3156024), 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, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 April 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1C gunship when a long range reconnaissance team reported that they had sighted a force of twelve enemy soldiers preparing an anti-aircraft position. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker, after arriving on station and locating the enemy positions, engaged the enemy and immediately received heavy enemy fire. Although his ship received numerous hits in the cockpit which destroyed all his radios except for one channel on UHF, he continued to engage the target until it was destroyed. He then was informed that the friendly position on the ground had been compromised and volunteered to remain on station to cover the recovery ship for an immediate extraction of the reconnaissance patrol. He remained in heavy contact throughout the extraction drawing intense enemy fire and laying down a heavy base of suppressive fire which insured the safety of the recovery aircraft. Only after totally expending his load of ammunition on the enemy did Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker retire from the fray. 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.

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 Two (CWO-2) John A. Shoemaker (ASN: W-3156024), 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 9 June 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1C armed helicopter and fire team leader during a mission to extract a patrol in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force. He led his fire team to the area of the patrol, pinpointed their location, and immediately came under heavy enemy fire. It was determined that a McGuire Rig extraction would be necessary. As the unarmed extraction helicopter began its approach to the patrol, Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker flew between the enemy positions and the unarmed aircraft and suppressed the enemy fire. This bold ploy allowed the unarmed extraction aircraft to withdraw the patrol without damage or injury. Nevertheless, one member of the patrol had become separated and lost. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker volunteered to stay in the area under intense enemy fire to search for the lost member. Only after his fuel became critical did he return to Dak To Airfield. He immediately re-armed and re-fueled his aircraft and volunteered to return in search of the lost member. Due to severe battle damage of his aircraft, this attempt had to be aborted. 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) John A. Shoemaker (ASN: W-3156024), 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 6 June 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during the extraction of a Special Forces long range reconnaissance patrol in heavy contact with a large enemy force west of Kontum. En route to the conflict, he encountered heavy monsoon weather, but expertly navigated his aircraft through thick clouds and thunderous downpours over treacherous mountain terrain. When he arrived on station, he immediately engaged the enemy and demolished the enemy automatic weapons positions which had the team pinned down. He continued to expose himself to enemy fire while the team was moving to the extraction point and during the extraction operation. During this time, he provided superb covering fire for the team and the rescue aircraft. His courage and professionalism contributed immensely to the success of the mission. 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) John A. Shoemaker (ASN: W-3156024), 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, 1st Aviation Brigade, in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 September 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as fire team leader of a team of UH-1C gunships furnishing fire support for a long range reconnaissance patrol in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force near An Khe. The reconnaissance team was receiving heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire and was in grave danger of being overrun. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker flew his aircraft between the enemy position and that of the friendly unit, thus enabling the team to withdraw to a defensible position. On several flying passes, he accurately fired his 2.75 inch rockets and directed his gunners’ fire into the enemy positions. Although his aircraft was hit numerous times by enemy fire, he remained on station until his aircraft’s ammunition was expended and his fuel was nearly exhausted. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker’s courage and brilliant leadership saved the reconnaissance team from certain annihilation. 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.