Navy Federal Credit Union

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 (Signal Corps) Walter P. Gapik (ASN: 0-5335935), 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 199th Reconnaissance Airplane Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 February 1969. Captain Gapik distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while flying a visual reconnaissance mission for a friendly unit. Upon observing five insurgents in a sampan attempting to evade a friendly ground unit, he requested and received permission to engage with aerial rockets. Receiving intense enemy ground fire, he completely disregarded his own personal safety by making repeated passes on the enemy, killing one and destroying the sampan. Captain Gapik then made continuous passes at the target area, without ordnance, while simultaneously calling for gunship support. Upon arrival of the armed helicopters, he directed them to the enemy. 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