Gunship Academy

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By direction of the President of the United States, under the provisions of an act of Congress, the Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to Warrant Officer Buzzsaw for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving an armed Soviet force near the East German border. While serving as an Attack Helicopter Commander, Warrant Officer Buzzsaw demonstrated decisive leadership, fortitude, and professional skill while participating in an antiaircraft suppression mission in support of an Air Cavalry unit.

Warrant Officer Buzzsaw's mission involved the destruction of a certain ground-based mobile antiaircraft installation. As W.O. Buzzsaw crested the top of a hill, he was taken under fire by the object of his mission. He proceeded on towards the target to make a high-speed rocket and gun attack. As he pressed on to the target, W.O. Buzzsaw exhibited superior flying skills by weaving and jinking to avoid the withering enemy antiaircraft fire. When only 500 meters from the target, his aircraft was hit by a series of SA-7 missiles fired by a nearby infantry unit. Although his aircraft was severely damaged, and he was desperately wounded, W.O. Buzzsaw continued to attack and managed to destroy the target with his 30 millimeter cannon just before he crashed at high speed.

The destruction of this target helped to clear a safe path for a large number of troops to move forward behind enemy lines and undoubtedly saved a number of lives. The extraordinary heroic courage and conspicuous gallantry of W.O. Buzzsaw are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon the military services. We offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.