Sponsored by:

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 (Field Artillery) Harold P. Bordeaux (ASN: 0-5406131), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Bordeaux distinguished himself while serving as a pilot of an O-1 aircraft on a special reconnaissance mission near Cheo Reo. He was assigned the mission of providing air cover for an insertion operation. The company made contact with a well-entrenched enemy force and were immediately pinned down by intense barrages of automatic weapons fire. Upon making contact with the enemy, he made continuous passes over the area drawing fire away from the friendly positions and keeping the advisory team informed of the situation. As the ground pressure increased, he made low passes through deteriorating weather and heavy automatic weapons fire to deliver his rockets at the enemy forces. Without the courage and determination demonstrated by Captain Bordeaux, the friendly force casualties would have been much greater, the enemy would have escaped from their position, and the advisory team would not have received the timely information on courses of action. 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

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    March 22, 1971
    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 2994 (April 8, 1971)

    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 Captain (Field Artillery) Harold P. Bordeaux (ASN: 0-5406131), United States Army, for gallantry in action with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 220th Aviation Company (Surveillance Airplane), 1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Bordeaux distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while flying a visual reconnaissance mission in an unarmed army observation airplane. Captain Bordeaux sighted a column of vehicles not far from the South Vietnamese border. Upon making several low passes, he identified the column as enemy tanks, which took Captain Bordeaux under intense anti-aircraft fire from their turret mounted machine guns. Exercising superb airmanship, Captain Bordeaux took drastic evasive measures, escaping the immediate danger of the enemy fire. Quickly realizing that the enemy column posed a great threat to nearby Allied forces, Captain Bordeaux radioed to Air Force forward air controllers whom he expertly directed into the target area. After several flights of tactical air strikes, Captain Bordeaux then summoned artillery fires onto the enemy positions, remaining over the target area despite the approaching darkness and diminishing visibility. Due greatly to his presence of mind and ability to exploit the enemy situation, Captain Bordeaux’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.