Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) James A. Noe (ASN: W-3159172), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 1 December 1968 while serving as an aerial observer with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the vicinity of Bien Hoa, Warrant Officer Noe participated in an assault upon an enemy force of unknown size. Though exposed to intense enemy automatic weapons fire, Warrant Officer Noe radioed pertinent information of the enemy’s location and strength to his commander. While making a pass over the entrenched enemy, his aircraft received a number of direct hits, wounding the pilot and damaging the aircraft. The pilot momentarily lost control, causing the helicopter to dive. Immediately, Warrant Officer Noe gained control of the craft and assisted the pilot in landing it without further damage. Warrant Officer Noe’s unwavering devotion to duty, personal bravery and flying ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (WO-1)

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    October 29, 1968

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 1927 (December 17, 1968)

    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) James A. Noe (ASN: W-3159172), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 29 October 1968 while serving as a pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Warrant Officer Noe was flying a fire support mission for two squads of aero riflemen who were pinned down by an estimated platoon of Viet Cong. Upon locating the enemy positions, he unhesitatingly maneuvered his heavily loaded gunship to treetop level and decreased his aircraft’s speed in order to deliver highly accurate suppressive fire into the enemy positions. Warrant Officer Noe repeatedly displayed his exceptional courage and flying ability by maneuvering his aircraft at extremely low altitude through the intense small arms and automatic weapons fire in order to deliver his aircraft’s full capability of fire power upon the Viet Cong forces. His actions directly resulted in relieving the enemy pressure on the friendly force, enabling it to assault and overrun the hostile positions. Warrant Officer Noe’s unwavering devotion to duty, professional ability and disregard of personal safety while under hostile fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.