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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Stephen Moushegian, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 10 August 1969 while serving as a pilot with the Aero Scout Platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Moushegian was flying on a visual reconnaissance mission when he spotted a group of thirty enemy soldiers below. He immediately called for the insertion of an infantry platoon, while providing suppressive fire with his mini-gun. Due to the extreme weather conditions, air to ground communications were almost nonexistent, so Lieutenant Moushegian landed his aircraft in a small landing zone and raced through intense enemy fire to brief a platoon leader who had lost radio contact with the available air cover. He then returned to his aircraft and began hovering over the enemy positions, relaying information to his troop commander and placing deadly mini-gun fire on the hostile troops. While making one low-level pass over the area, he spotted an enemy soldier attempting to escape through the dense jungle. Lieutenant Moushegian slowed his helicopter to a hover over the enemy soldier and was able to force the man to surrender by use of arm and hand signals. Lieutenant Moushegian then safely delivered the prisoner to an intelligence team. First Lieutenant Moushegian’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.




