The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Edward Keith Andrews (NSN: 0-693072/1315), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 4 December 1983 as a pilot of an A-7E aircraft in Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VA-15), embarked in U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). As the Commander of Air Wing SIX, Commander Andrews led a twenty-six aircraft strike against several targets near Beirut, Lebanon. Under conditions of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and over 40 surface-to-air missile firings, he continued the attack and precisely delivered ordnance which destroyed a crucial command and control battlefield radar site. He demonstrated exceptional courage and airborne leadership off target by calling numerous missile avoidance maneuvers to other aircraft in a flight and in particular was directly responsible for saving a wingman from being hit by a missile which then impacted his aircraft. Even though sustaining crippling damage, he exhibited superior airmanship in controlling the wildly gyrating aircraft until he was able to safely eject over water. Commander Andrews’ outstanding leadership, heroic actions in the face of personal risk, and unselfish devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderBatallion:
Attack Squadron 15Division:
U.S.S. Independence (CV-62)Action Date:
December 4, 1983
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
February 1987 – February 1989
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Edward Keith Andrews (NSN: 0-693072/1315), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Training Air Wing THREE from February 1987 to February 1989. Captain Andrews’ exemplary performance was directly responsible for the unmatched achievements of his command that ensured the production of the finest quality Naval aviators for the fleet. His dynamic hands on leadership and inspiring dedication had a profoundly positive effect upon the performance of the entire wing and was recognized by receipt of two Training Excellence Awards from the Chief of Naval Air Training, six Accident-Free-Year Aviation Safety Awards, nomination for the Bronze Hammer Self-Help Award, and two Golden Anchor Retention Excellence Awards. These achievements recognized the Wings accumulation of over 96,000 flight hours, including 50,163 student training events in 75,694 individual flight sorties, while providing 326 Strike Naval Aviators. Captain Andrews’ strict emphasis on efficiency and accountability resulted in flight hour cost savings of sixteen percent in Intermediate Strike and twenty-two percent in Advance Strike Training, while simultaneously reducing the Wing’s production work week from six and a half days to a stable, morale enhancing, five-day week. Additionally, his ingenious ability to inspire teamwork enabled the Wing to effect a smooth and orderly transition to contractor provided organization level maintenance operations. Captain Andrews’ superb leadership, professionalism, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Light Photographic Squadron 62Regiment:
Detachment 42Division:
U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42)Action Date:
November 1, 1966
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edward Keith Andrews (NSN: 0-693072/1315), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot attached to and serving with Light Photographic Squadron SIXTY-TWO, Detachment FORTY-TWO embarked in U.S.S. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42) in support of operations in Southeast Asia against North Vietnamese forces on 1 November 1966. As wingman in a section of two jet photographic reconnaissance supported by three jet attack aircraft on a mission to obtain photography of vital shipping in the vicinity of the North Vietnamese port facility and harbor at Haiphong, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Andrews reacted boldly and aggressively at great personal risk in accomplishing far more than could have been expected under the circumstances. As the reconnaissance section approached the target area it was fired upon by a newly constructed and well camouflaged surface-to-air guided missile site. The section turned to pass over the heavily defended site for strike photography and, although a second missile was fired, he courageously pressed his run to call flak positions for the lead aircraft. As the section passed clear, he alertly seized the initiative and decided upon a bold and daring course of action. Advising the flight leader to continue with the primary mission, he turned his aircraft to again pass over the site, unarmed and unescorted, for back-up photography. As great personal risk, he pressed his run despite the continuing threat of further missile firings, accurate anti-aircraft fire and hostile MiG aircraft then airborne in the area. As a direct result of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Andrews’ quick thinking, expert airmanship and courageous action in an unarmed aircraft under deteriorating circumstances the primary mission of harbor surveillance was accomplished, all aircraft returned safely, and outstanding photography was obtained which was absolutely vital to the safety of further operations in the area. The photography exactly pinpointed the missile site for an immediate follow-up strike. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Andrews’ bravery and persistence in the face of intense opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.