Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Specialist Fourth Class James Joseph Astrouski (Astrowski) (ASN: RA-16996168), United States Army, for gallantry in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 August 1968 while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Astrouski distinguished himself while serving in the capacity of door gunner on an OH-6 helicopter while on a reconnaissance mission near the An Lo Bridge, Republic of Vietnam. During the late evening hours, Specialist Astrouski saw an OH-6 helicopter of the 3d Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division shot down by heavy enemy small arms fire. Specialist Astrouski saw that the crew was trapped in the burning wreckage. Disregarding his own safety, Specialist Astrouski pulled one of the crew members out of the wreckage and extinguished his burning clothing. Specialist Astrouski then returned fire with his M-60 machine gun until the last possible moment before being extracted on the same medical evacuation helicopter that extracted he wounded from the downed helicopter. Specialist Astrouski’s personal bravery and devotion to duty 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

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Batallion:

    Troop D

    Regiment:

    1st Cavalry

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    August 26, 1968

    Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No. 11229 (December 28, 1968)

    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 Specialist Fourth Class James Joseph Astrouski (Astrowski) (ASN: RA-16996168), United States Army, for gallantry in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 August 1968 while serving with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Astrouski distinguished himself while serving in the capacity of door gunner on an OH-6 helicopter while on a reconnaissance mission near the An Lo Bridge, Republic of Vietnam. During the late evening hours, Specialist Astrouski saw an OH-6 helicopter of the 3d Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division shot down by heavy enemy small arms fire. Specialist Astrouski saw that the crew was trapped in the burning wreckage. Disregarding his own safety, Specialist Astrouski pulled one of the crew members out of the wreckage and extinguished his burning clothing. Specialist Astrouski then returned fire with his M-60 machine gun until the last possible moment before being extracted on the same medical evacuation helicopter that extracted he wounded from the downed helicopter. Specialist Astrouski’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.