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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Grail L. Brookshire, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 13 May 1970 while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Colonel Brookshire was flying in his Command and Control Helicopter, conducting aerial reconnaissance and guiding Troops G and F through the dense jungle five miles northeast of Snoul, Cambodia. The ground forces engaged an estimated reinforced regiment of North Vietnamese soldiers who were equipped with rocket-propelled grenades, small arms and automatic weapons. Realizing immediate action was necessary, Colonel Brookshire instructed his pilot to fly at a low altitude in order to draw fire so that the enemy’s exact position could be determined. Through the aircraft was under constant anti-aircraft fire, he continued to maintain his low altitude to maintain maximum control over the ground elements. Colonel Brookshire began to adjust artillery fire and air strikes with complete accuracy. So precise were his adjustments that hidden fuel and ammunition stores caused secondary explosions. For the remainder of the battle he continued to fly a dangerously low pattern over the area. He was responsible for the entire routing of the enemy force and the capturing of a supply depot. Lieutenant Colonel Brookshire’s 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)Batallion:
2d SquadronRegiment:
11th Armored Cavalry RegimentAction Date:
May 5, 1970
Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2488 (June 4, 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Grail L. Brookshire, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 5 May 1970 while serving as Commanding Officer, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date the 2d Squadron was on a reconnaissance mission south of the Cambodian town of Snoul. Aircraft had informed Colonel Brookshire that entrance into Snoul would be impossible due to the intense anti-aircraft fire in and around the city. Colonel Brookshire instructed 3d Squadron H to lead a formation followed by the command group and followed by Troops E and G. He maneuvered Company H to the city’s western boundary, while Troop E moved directly through the city and Troop G swept through the area to the east. As Troop E moved through the city they encountered fierce resistance from the enemy force. Colonel Brookshire established a Command and Control post to the rear of Troop E and directed Company H to reinforce the troop. At the same time Troop G began receiving rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire. Colonel Brookshire exposed himself to the hostile barrage constantly, while maintaining visual and radio contact with all elements. He was notified by the Squadron S-3 that there was an enemy machinegun emplacement to his flank. Colonel Brookshire immediately directed the three Command and Control vehicles to overrun the position, which resulted in capturing of two machineguns and elimination of the enemy. Throughout the battle Colonel Brookshire inspired his men in the complete rout of the enemy force. Lieutenant Colonel Brookshire’s 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.