The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Robert William Armenio (MCSN: 0-101559), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 February 1969. First Lieutenant Armenio launched as Copilot aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of a casualty from a Second Republic of Korea Marine Brigade unit heavily engaged with a hostile force in Quang Nam Province. Forced to abort his first approach because of the intensity of the enemy fire, he requested the Korean Marines to pinpoint the hostile position by ground flares, skillfully monitoring his instruments and controls and coordinating his second approach with the supporting fire of Marine gunships as he aided his pilot in landing in the fire-swept area. Quickly embarking the wounded man, he cleared his aircraft to depart the hazardous area and proceeded to the nearest medical facility. Forced to ground his CH-46 because of extensive battle damage, he obtained another helicopter when informed that three more casualties required immediate extraction at the same landing zone and resolutely returned to the dangerous area. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire again directed against his CH-46 and the lack of gunship support, First Lieutenant Armenio boldly assisted his aircraft commander in maneuvering through the withering fire to land near the injured men. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting in the area, he directed his aerial gunners in the delivery of such effective suppressive fire that the casualties were quickly embarked and the CH-46 departed the fire-swept area and proceeded to the medical facility. First Lieutenant Armenio’s courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in saving the lives of the Korean Marines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Robert William Armenio (MCSN: 0-101559), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 July 1969, First Lieutenant Armenio launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned an emergency medical and prisoner evacuation mission near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. Unhesitatingly commencing his approach, he skillfully landed in the obstacle-studded zone and steadfastly remained in his vulnerable position until the casualties were embarked. Displaying superb airmanship, he then executed a takeoff, however, before clearing the area, the transport came under a heavy volume of hostile fire, sustained extensive damage, and crashed, mortally wounding all aboard. First Lieutenant Armenio’s courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Robert William Armenio (MCSN: 0-101559), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 June 1969, First Lieutenant Armenio launched from Marble Mountain Air Facility as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of four seriously wounded Marines from an area southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated location, he observed that the landing zone was under small arms and automatic weapons fire and that the Marines were unable to move their casualties to a more favorable area because hostile soldiers held tree lines on two sides of the friendly unit. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his daring actions, but thinking only of the welfare of the injured men, First Lieutenant Armenio commenced a high-speed, low altitude approach to the landing zone through the enemy fire. During the considerable length of time required to embark the wounded Marines, he ignored the rounds impacting around his aircraft and resolutely maintained his vulnerable position until assured that all casualties were aboard. Displaying superb airmanship, he then expeditiously departed the dangerous area, skillfully executing evasive maneuvers which prevented damage to his helicopter or further injury to the Marines. His heroic and selfless deeds inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. First Lieutenant Armenio’s courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the vital mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps an of the United States Naval Service.