Navy Federal Credit Union

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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Joseph S. Sottile, Jr., United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer Sottile distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter near the besieged special forces camp of Dak Seang. A friendly unit was to move to an abandoned fire base on a hill one mile to the north of Dak Seang which was a known enemy stronghold. Warrant Officer Sottile continued to expend his ordnance time after time upon the enemy locations. Despite the fact that his helicopter was not equipped for night flight and his aircraft had sustained several hits from enemy ground fire, he remained on station and continued his attacks in an effort to complete the mission until his fuel supply became critically low. Although the intense ground fire was very difficult to successfully suppress, more than half of the battalion was moved to the hilltop. Warrant Officer Sottile’s 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.