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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 First Lieutenant Larry Eugene Choplin (AFSN: 0-3163355), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a RF-4C Navigator Systems Operator in Southeast Asia on 16 March 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Choplin flew an unarmed and unescorted reconnaissance mission into North Vietnam to locate new hostile defensive positions along a main transportation route. Hampered by extremely poor weather, Lieutenant Choplin penetrated extremely accurate and intense ground fire, completely disregarding his own safety, in order to obtain coverage of his assigned target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Choplin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    January 31, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Larry Eugene Choplin (AFSN: 0-3163355), United States Air Force, for heroism while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force near Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. On that date, he drove a truck through heavy hostile automatic rifle, machine gun, grenade, and mortar fire to effect the rescue of combat aircrews that were besieged by hostile forces. He maneuvered his vehicle through burning trucks, battle debris, and hostile fire to successfully evacuate fourteen aircrew members, without regard for the great personal risk involved. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Lieutenant Choplin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1361 (May 7, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Larry Eugene Choplin (AFSN: 0-3163355), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over Southeast Asia on 26 December 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Choplin flew an unarmed and unescorted reconnaissance mission deep into hostile territory photographing a hostile installation and its defensive gun emplacements. Lieutenant Choplin made two passes over his target to draw hostile reaction and enable the combat support aircraft to locate the hostile gun positions. By his actions his target was photographed and two hostile gun emplacements were destroyed. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Choplin has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.