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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.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer 1 (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1969
    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 2395 (May 19, 1969)

    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.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer (WO-2)

    Batallion:

    52d Aviation Battalion (Combat)

    Regiment:

    17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    March 31, 1971
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2264-340 (June 29, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (WO-2) Dana A. Johndro (ASN: W-3162988), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 361st Aviation Company (Escort), 52d Aviation Battalion (Combat), 17th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer Two Johndro distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 March 1971 while serving as the air mission commander of a light fire team of four helicopter gunships during an emergency extraction of allied personnel at Fire Support Base 6. Upon notification that thirty-three survivors, including nine Americans, were trying to avoid capture by a large enemy force, Warrant Officer Johndro requested the allies to move to an extraction point. Flying through darkness and inclement weather, he returned to the contact area after refueling at Kontum. Receiving heavy enemy flak, Mister Johndro directed his accompanying gunships in their suppressive fire upon the belligerents’ positions. Amid a barrage of enemy fusillade, Mister Johndro hovered his aircraft and placed devastating fire upon the approaching foe at point blank range. This action enabled the survivors to be loaded upon rescue helicopters and safely evacuated from the besieged area. Chief Warrant Officer Two Johndro’s extraordinary heroism 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.