Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Regiment:

    4th Air Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    July 5, 1971

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 23 (May 30, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Glenn R. Nicholas, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop F, 4th Air Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 5 July 1971. On that date, Specialist Nicholas was serving as Crew Chief on a light observation helicopter conducting visual reconnaissance operations in support of Army of the Republic of Vietnam ground forces. While investigating an enemy bunker complex with signs of recent activity, Specialist Nicholas’ aircraft came under intense ground-to-air fire, seriously wounding the pilot. The aircraft crashed into a heavily wooded area and began to burn. Although dazed from the crash, Specialist Nicholas attempted to remove the unconscious pilot. At this time an explosion erupted in the ship, throwing Specialist Nicholas back, and he received fragmentation wounds. Despite his wounds and with total disregard for his own safety, he moved back to the aircraft and succeeded in extracting the pilot. As he dragged the pilot clear, another explosion occurred on board the aircraft. On two occasions, the command-and-control aircraft attempted to land to extract Specialist Nicholas and the seriously wounded pilot but began taking intense ground-to-air fire. In each instance, Specialist Nicholas moved into the fire zone and warned the ship away. When the aircraft erupted in one final explosion, he moved the still-unconscious pilot to a relatively safe place and began administering first aid while simultaneously defending their position with machinegun fire directed against the enemy force which was trying to capture them. Minutes later a ground element was inserted to neutralize the enemy ground force long enough for the medical evacuation helicopter to arrive and extract Specialist Nicholas and the wounded pilot, although it was under intense ground-to-air fire. Specialist Nicholas’ personal courage and total disregard for his own life, in an attempt to save the life of a fellow crew member, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.