AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Donald D. Groenemann, First Lieutenant, Artillery, United States Army, 116th Assault Helicopter Company, Republic of Vietnam, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Lieutenant Groenemann distinguished himself by heroic actions on 2 May 1967 while serving as fire team leader in a gunship supporting the 3/47 Infantry. During this period he tirelessly and repeatedly exposed himself to intensive enemy automatic weapons fire while leading his fire team. His uncanny ability to seek out and destroy the groups of Viet Cong with no concern for his personal safety is a credit to his profession. When he was not engaged in destroying enemy targets, he was leading medevacs and resupply aircraft through a veritable wall of flack to the beleaguered ground troops. At one point his weapons system malfunctioned but he continued his suppressive fire support until his fuel was nearly exhausted and was forced to leave his station. Using a field expedient, he repaired his weapons system and was back on station in near record time. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.