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 with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Armor) Ace Alan Cozzalio (ASN: 0-5241198), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Cozzalio distinguished himself by valorous actions on 9 July 1968, while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance mission near My Phouc. While conducting low level passes in search of the enemy, his craft came under intense automatic weapons fire and was seriously damaged. Lieutenant Cozzalio skillfully regained control of the stricken aircraft, and, without regard for his own safety, entered into a series of firing passes over the entrenched enemy, using smoke grenades to direct friendly ground forces to the enemy positions. Although subject to extremely dangerous cross fire. Lieutenant Cozzalio continued his daring passes until the mission was successfully completed. First Lieutenant Cozzalio’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Armor) Ace Alan Cozzalio (ASN: 0-5241198), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Cozzalio distinguished himself by valorous actions on 2 August 1968, while serving as a Pilot with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission northwest of Cai Lai. When the ground forces of his unit came under intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Cozzalio immediately directed his wingman, a Cobra gunship, to provide fire support. He then positioned his own observation craft directly forward of the enemy positions and provided covering fire for the gunship during its breaks. Ignoring the barrage which shattered the plexiglass on his craft, Lieutenant Cozzalio remained on position until the gunship had finished its runs and then flew directly over the Viet Cong emplacements, accurately bombing them with grenades. First Lieutenant Cozzalio’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Armor) Ace Alan Cozzalio (ASN: 0-5241198), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Cozzalio distinguished himself by valorous actions on 8 May 1968, while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission near Can Gujuoc. A mechanized infantry unit had become pinned down by heavy fire from an enemy force entrenched along a roadway. Disregarding intense fire from positions only 50 meters away, Lieutenant Cozzalio led his team on a low level firing pass on the enemy positions. He fearlessly assaulted again and again through the furious lattice-work of enemy tracers until the friendly unit was able to move against the enemy force and completely rout it. First Lieutenant Cozzalio’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.