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 Warrant Officer Gary L. Tamietti, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Tamietti distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving with a helicopter scout team screening for ground troops near Vi Thanh in Chuong Thien Province. They discovered several new bunker complexes and new camouflaged houses about 1500 meters from the ground troops and began assaulting them. The first pass on the bunker brought a heavy burst of enemy fire, and they immediately turned on the enemy position and attempted to fire their miniguns but they were jammed. Undaunted, they began assaulting the bunkers with hand grenades and rockets. With complete disregard for their own safety, they engaged the target with deadly accurate fire as they made repeated passes to accurately mark the enemy positions for the supporting gunships. Although the gunships were effectively suppressing the enemy fire from the tree line, the friendly ground troops were in contact and could not assist in assaulting the remaining bunkers. These men then launched a skillful attack on the three bunkers, completely destroying them. Their determination and extreme valor under enemy fire contributed greatly to the success of the mission. Their actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon themselves, their unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Gary L. Tamietti, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Tamietti distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while serving as pilot of a Scout Helicopter during a visual reconnaissance mission in the U-Minh Forest area north of Thei Binh. Upon entering the area of operation, the command and control helicopter reported seeing people running from a house to fighting position and bunkers. Warrant Officer Tamietti’s aircraft soon began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire from a bunker and several fighting positions. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Warrant Officer Tamietti maneuvered his aircraft into position to put suppressive fire on the enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety, he made numerous passes into the area exposing himself to heavy enemy fire. Despite the damage caused by several hits to his aircraft, he made two more dangerous passes to cover his lead aircraft and destroyed six sampans. His courage, outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.