The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain Joseph Anthony Machowski (AFSN: FV-3103931), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Western Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 March 1966. On that date, he was on a mission in support of a Special Force Patrol pinned down by hostile forces. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Machowski flew repeatedly over the hostile forces despite intense automatic weapons and anti-aircraft fire in order that his rear seat observer could provide suppressive fire. He later directed fighter-bomber aircraft against the hostile positions which enabled the friendly patrol to complete its mission without loss of life and resulted in heavy losses to the hostile forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Machowski reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronRegiment:
505th Tactical Air Control GroupDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
May 24, 1966
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders G-237 (July 30, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Joseph Anthony Machowski (AFSN: FV-3103931), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller, 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, 505th Tactical Air Control Group, SEVENTH Air Force, near Plei Toun Breng in Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam on 24 May 1966. On that date, while providing cover for a Special Forces patrol en route to their base camp, Captain Machowski discovered a multi-battalion hostile ground force waiting to ambush the patrol. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Machowski directed numerous combat sorties against the opposing force, constantly subjecting himself to heavy machine gun and automatic weapons fire. Captain Machowski’s clear knowledge of the potential of air power, and his ability and courage to use it to maximum extent, were the decisive factors in turning back a determined hostile offensive in the Central Highlands. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Machowski has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronRegiment:
505th Tactical Air Control GroupDivision:
7th Air ForceAction Date:
October 28, 1965
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-315 (April 23, 1966)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 Captain Joseph Anthony Machowski (AFSN: FV-3103931), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Dja Dien Ha Kniach, Republic of Vietnam, on 28 October 1965. On that date, while serving as Forward Air Controller for two civil irregular defense groups engaged in combat against a hostile force near Dja Dien Na Kniach, Captain Machowski repeatedly made low level passes at extremely slow speed to seek out the hostile forces, subjecting his aircraft constantly to intense and accurate ground fire. His daring courage and determination under hostile fire permitted the friendly forces to overrun the hostile positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Machowski reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.