Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    April 19, 1970

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 4053 (May 21, 1970)

    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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Richard D. Jadlowski, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force. Warrant Officer Jadlowski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of a transport helicopter of the 240th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, while supporting allied airmobile operations. During the insertion of troops into a landing zone, his flight was subjected to intense automatic weapons fire, causing another helicopter to crash and start to burn. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Warrant Officer Jadlowski jumped from his aircraft, with a fire extinguisher, and ran to the downed aircraft. He quickly extinguished the fire and despite continued hostile fire, he immediately jumped inside the downed aircraft to free a crewman pinned by wreckage. With hostile fire ripping through the aircraft and despite the threat of another fire, he cleared a path through the mass of wreckage to the crewman. With the enemy fire ripping up the ground around him, Warrant Officer Jadlowski dragged the crewchief to safety just as the aircraft exploded and became completely engulfed in flames. Warrant Officer Jadlowski’s gallantry and unwavering courage were responsible for saving a fellow soldier’s life. 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.