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 Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) William B. Wieland, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 5 February 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Wieland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of the 118th Assault Helicopter Company, aboard a troop transport helicopter airlifting infantry soldiers into a landing zone. The flight of ten helicopters was subjected to intense automatic weapons and small arms fire. As Chief Warrant Officer Wieland’s helicopter touched down, enemy soldiers stood up ten meters away and began raking it with automatic weapons fire. As the helicopter lifted off, its master control panel indicated serious power failure, and Chief Warrant Officer Wieland was forced to land in the middle of a rice paddy. As he directed his crew to remove all weapons and communications equipment, the aircraft settled in the mud and began to shake violently. Chief Warrant Officer Wieland immediately rolled the throttle back on so that the wounded could be safely removed from the ship. Despite relentless enemy sniper fire striking all around him, he directed the successful evacuation of casualties and equipment from the downed helicopter shortly before the enemy overran the area and destroyed the aircraft. 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2)Action Date:
October 21, 1967
Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.orgThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) William B. Wieland, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 21 October 1967, in the Republic of Vietnam. Chief Warrant Officer Wieland distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander aboard a UH-1D helicopter of the 118th Assault Helicopter Company, delivering emergency re-supply and medical evacuation missions in the vicinity of Phuoc Vinh. A Special Forces unit was heavily engaged in a fierce firefight with a large enemy force, and Chief Warrant Officer Wieland courageously volunteered to fly in support of the beleaguered soldiers. The only available landing zone was a narrow stream bordered on both banks by tall trees, only fifty meters from the enemy positions. He executed a high-speed, low level approach and maneuvered spectacularly through the narrow flight path toward the battle site. Heedless of enemy bullets striking all around him, he held his aircraft in a steady hover while vitally needed ammunition was unloaded and casualties were placed aboard. When the ship was loaded to capacity with wounded, he ascended skillfully and flew the casualties to medical facilities. He then returned to the battle site, delivered more supplies and evacuated the rest of the casualties. His fearless and determined efforts saved the lives of many wounded fellow soldiers and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Untied States Army.