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 Paul J. Wenzel, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 17 June 1967. On that date, during Operations Billings, Captain Wenzel was serving as aircraft commander of a utility helicopter transporting and resupplying troops engaged in a search and destroy operation in War Zone D. While on standby alert, he received word that a friendly battalion had received intensive hostile fire and human wave assaults. They urgently needed a helicopter to bring in more ammunition and to evacuate several seriously wounded men. Captain Wenzel immediately volunteered for the mission. He supervised the loading of his aircraft with ammunition, then flew directly to the scene of the battle. He landed amidst intensive hostile fire, receiving several hits. Once on the ground, he got out of the aircraft and, disregarding the hostile fire aimed directly at the helicopter, supervised the unloading of the ammunition. He helped to place the most seriously wounded soldiers onto the helicopter. After evacuating the wounded men to a medical treatment facility, he returned to the battle site and, again under heavy automatic weapons fire, landed his helicopter to evacuate more casualties. His courage and determination under fire contributed significantly to the friendly battalion’s success in repelling the Viet Cong assaults and saved the lives of many seriously wounded men. Captain Wenzel’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 Captain Paul J. Wenzel, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Wenzel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while flying as aircraft commander of the lead helicopter of a nine-aircraft flight that was involved in a combat assault in support of elements of the 25th Infantry Division near Duc Hoa. Following one feinted approach, Captain Wenzel reformed the flight and led them into the area where the ground forces were to debark. As soon as he set the aircraft down, he came under intense Viet Cong arms and automatic weapons fire. Within seconds two personnel on board were seriously wounded and the helicopter severely damaged. Once the troops had debarked, he skillfully lifted the ship to a hover and turned broadside toward the enemy to provide cover for the remaining helicopters. When the mission was completed, he led the team back to Duc Hoa in his crippled helicopter where he made a successful landing. The hydraulic and electrical systems of the aircraft had been nearly destroyed by enemy fire. Although wounded, he assumed command of a second aircraft to continue to provide leadership to the flight. Captain Wenzel’s outstanding flying ability and undaunted courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.