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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Medal with Combat “V” to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) David F. Kountz (ASN: W-3156248), United States Army, for heroism while engaged in aerial flight in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Warrant Officer One Kountz distinguished himself while serving as pilot during air assaults performed against enemy mortar attacks at Nha Be, Republic of Vietnam. When Nha Be began receiving mortar and recoilless rifle fire from enemy positions across the Long Tau River, he launched his aircraft in the midst of the attack to assault enemy positions. Aircraft commanders observed three 82-mm. enemy mortar positions defended by .50 and .30 caliber machine gun emplacements. While placing strikes on the enemy positions, all aircraft received numerous hits, sustaining one crew member wounded in action. Aircraft continued to enter and attack the position until silencing one of the mortar positions. His heroic actions 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:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) David F. Kountz, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Warrant Officer Kountz distinguished himself while serving as the pilot of a UH-ID helicopter during an extraction of a special forces reconnaissance team that had been trapped in an enemy base camp. Upon location of the team, he lowered his aircraft under intense enemy fire and hovered over the area while the troops were loaded aboard. 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.