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 to First Lieutenant (Armor) George W. Gomoll (ASN: 0-5254547), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 18 March 1969, while serving as a pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while Lieutenant Gomoll was flying his helicopter over an enemy bunker complex to allow his crew chief to fire grenades on the hostile positions, the aircraft suddenly began receiving intense automatic weapons fire. Seeing that his crew chief was wounded and the helicopter was heavily damaged, he quickly maneuvered the crippled aircraft out of range of the enemy guns and informed the troop commander of the exact location of the enemy entrenchments. In spite of the fact that the helicopter was in danger of crashing at any moment, he chose to fly it to the nearest evacuation hospital so that his crew chief could receive prompt medical attention. Although his vision was hampered by chemical irritants released in the aircraft when several grenades were hit by enemy fire, Lieutenant Gomoll managed to safely land the aircraft at the hospital. His gallant actions saved a helicopter from destruction and enabled his wounded comrade to be given necessary medical assistance. First Lieutenant Gomoll’s courage and calmness in the face of danger and concern for the life of his fellow soldier were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.



