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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ronald E. Markiewicz, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 March 1971, while serving as a UH-1 Pilot, 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, in support of combat operations in Vietnam. On this date, First Lieutenant Markiewicz participated in a valiant attempt to re-supply Vietnamese Marines in Laos that were under siege by the North Vietnamese Army. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from several positions, he completed his landing approach, successfully off-loading ammunition in exchange for four wounded Vietnamese Marines. During the takeoff, heavy machine gun fire ripped through the aircraft, piercing the fuel cells. Ignoring the enemy fire, First Lieutenant Markiewicz navigated the burning aircraft to a location below the landing zone to facilitate a safe rescue effort. Despite his own wounds and under machine gun fire, he carried a wounded Vietnamese Marine while directing his men to the rescue helicopter for evacuation. First Lieutenant Markiewicz’ gallantry in action and devotion to duty are 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

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    14th Aviation Battalion

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1971

    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 First Lieutenant Ronald E. Markiewicz, United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 24 March 1971, while serving as a UH-01 Pilot, 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, in support of combat operations in Vietnam. On this date, First Lieutenant Markiewicz attempted to extract downed helicopter crews from the border area between North and South Vietnam and Laos. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from several positions, he began his rescue attempt by skillfully avoiding a deadly hail of gunfire. As the UH-1 approached the ground, heavy machine gun fire tore through the aircraft. Impacting enemy rounds riddled the cockpit, causing shards of metal and Plexiglas to cut him in multiple places. Ignoring his wounds, First Lieutenant Markiewicz successfully landed the aircraft, enabling troops to recover the downed crews. Upon completion of the sortie, he obtained a replacement aircraft and continued with the mission. First Lieutenant Markiewicz’ devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.