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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 Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Paul D. Madsen, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 11 May 1969 while serving as co-pilot and gunner with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Warrant Officer Madsen’s assault helicopter was flying in support of Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment when the engaged a North Vietnamese Army company sized unit. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft into a low-level assault on the communist positions, enabling Warrant Officer Madsen to place an accurate barrage of fire upon the enemy forces while ignoring the intense return-fire. After rearming and refueling, the ship returned to the contact area. The pilot again initiated a strafing run over the enemy positions, while Warrant Officer Madsen placed highly accurate fire upon the enemy, permitting the friendly unit to withdraw and regroup before assaulting the position again. Warrant Officer Madsen’s courageous efforts contributed greatly in preventing an attack on Blackhorse Base Camp that night. Warrant Officer Madsen’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    June 18, 1969
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2298 (September 10, 1969)

    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) Paul D. Madsen, United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 June 1969 while serving as a pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese soldiers attacked An Loc with intense rocket fire and followed with a ground attack. Warrant Officer Madsen was flying the troop’s command-and-control aircraft which responded to the radio report of the attack. As he was flying over the contact zone, he spotted nine North Vietnamese soldiers below. As he flew the ship over the area again, he slowed the airspeed and maneuvered at treetop level. Suddenly they received intense barrages of automatic weapons fire from below. Disregarding the enemy fire, Warrant Officer Madsen maneuvered the aircraft over the enemy so that smoke grenades could be accurately dropped for marking the enemy positions. Seconds later the ship was enveloped by a fusillade of enemy fire from all directions that killed the crew chief and door gunner. Several rounds tore through the cockpit, shattering the windshield and seriously wounding Warrant Officer Madsen in the legs. Momentarily he lost control of the aircraft, but courageously he overcame the flying debris, smoke and extreme pain in his legs and partially regained control of the ship before it crashed. Warrant Officer placed effective fire on the enemy with his weapon while the commander attempted to pull the two bodies out of the wreckage. He maintained his position despite the painful leg wounds and continued to exchange fire with the enemy. Warrant Officer Madsen’s outstanding courage was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.