The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) Wiley L. Cranney (ASN: W-3159096), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 February 1969. Chief Warrant Officer Cranney distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H troop carrying helicopter during the extraction of an encircled long range reconnaissance patrol northwest of Dak To. While his aircraft was on short final to the extraction site, it came under enemy automatic weapons fire from all directions. He continued his approach, although the enemy was much closer than had been suspected. Due to high ground obstacles, he could only bring his aircraft to a four foot hover. He maintained a strong and steady hover as the patrol members scrambled aboard. Chief Warrant Officer Cranney’s outstanding flying ability was a great asset to the completion 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (W-2) Wiley L. Cranney (ASN: W-3159096), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 May 1969. Chief Warrant Officer Cranney distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H helicopter in an extraction of an allied unit near Ben Het. Previous attempts to enter the landing zone had been futile because of heavy ground fire. He commenced a low approach short of the actual landing zone and hovered his aircraft up to the friendly positions. Intense enemy fire was encountered in the landing zone as he departed. On the next sortie one round struck the rotor head. Chief Warrant Officer Cranney flew to Ben Het, obtained a replacement aircraft, and rejoined the extraction. He made two more sorties into the landing zone under intense hostile fire. Chief Warrant Officer Cranney’s great courage, flying skill and determination were instrumental in the success of the operation. 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.