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 1 (WO-1) Dana A. Johndro (ASN: W-3162988), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 14 February 1969. Warrant Officer Johndro distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot aboard a UH-1H lift ship during combat operations west of Dak To. He monitored a call for help from a reconnaissance team that had a serious injury, resulting from contact with an estimated company-size North Vietnamese Army force. Upon arriving over the team’s operational area, he made low passes over the area until it was finally located. Ropes were thrown to the team and within minutes the injured were secured and pulled up out of the jungle. Warrant Officer Johndro directed the covering fire and guided the aircraft commander to a river bed nearby. Setting the wounded on the ground, they were quickly brought on board. He contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. 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.

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 1 (WO-1) Dana A. Johndro (ASN: W-3162988), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 7 May 1969. Warrant Officer Johndro distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander in extraction of an allied unit in the battle near Ben Het. Upon entering the landing zone, his ship received intense enemy fire and the crew chief was wounded. Seven soldiers were then loaded aboard and flown to safety. Despite numerous bullet holes in the aircraft, Warrant Officer Johndro returned to the lift operation and the aircraft took four more hits, but seven more soldiers were flown to safety. Late in the afternoon word came that another friendly unit had one wounded man who was near death. Warrant Officer Johndro volunteered to evacuate the wounded soldier and soon brought him to safety. His outstanding performance saved at least fifteen lives. 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.