Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2)

    Batallion:

    3d Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    October 15, 1970

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 4354 (November 22, 1970)

    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 Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW-2) Peter Q. Bales, United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 15 October 1970, while serving as a Pilot with the 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, two platoons of the 3d Squadron came into heavy contact with an unknown size enemy force. After two medical evacuation helicopters were shot down and one of the platoon leaders killed, it was deemed necessary to insert the infantry company commander. Chief Warrant Officer Bales volunteered to fly the company commander into the area. To accomplish his mission he was forced to hover his craft into an extremely confined area through heavy enemy fire. No landing zone being available, Chief Warrant Officer Bales was further forced to hover his aircraft through dense foliage to a position ten feet from the ground, thereby enabling the company commander to jump down and link up with his troops. Although under constant fire and forced to fly in such a confined area that the blades of his helicopter repeatedly struck tree limbs, he was able to successfully complete his mission. Chief Warrant Officer Bales’ 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.