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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer John P. Lawlor, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight. Warrant Officer Lawlor distinguished himself by heroic actions on 7 August 1968, while serving as the aircraft commander of a UH-1D helicopter from Company A, 25th Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Lawlor’s aircraft was ordered to fly a night resupply mission to a friendly unit in contact with a large enemy force. With complete disregard for his own safety, Warrant Officer Lawlor exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he brought his aircraft down into the un-illuminated base. He remained in this exposed position until the last box of ammunition had been unloaded. Warrant Officer Lawlor then employed evasive flying maneuvers and left the area with no casualties aboard his ship. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force. Warrant Officer Lawlor’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer

    Action Date:

    June 19, 1968
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    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 John P. Lawlor, Jr., United States Army, for heroic actions on 19 June 1968 while serving with Company A, 25th Aviation Battalion as Pilot for the 2d Brigade command and control helicopter near Tan Son Nhut Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam. When ground troops had sustained several casualties and four helicopters had been hit by enemy fire, Warrant Officer Lawlor, with complete disregard for his own safety, made nine landings in the area of contact. Although his ship had been hit, Warrant Officer Lawlor kept coming back to aid the ground troops and when landing became impossible due to the devastating enemy fire, he made a low level pass to drop a litter to a beleaguered element. He exhibited tremendous flying skill and his valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force. Warrant Officer Lawlor’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.