AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AH-1G

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lew Jennings, Warrant Officer (WO1), Troop A, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 May 1969. Warrant Officer Jennings distinguished himself while serving as Aircraft Commander of an AH-1G helicopter while escorting an OH-6A observation helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission in the A Shau Valley, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. The observation helicopter began receiving heavy fifty caliber machine gun fire and crashed. After returning suppressive fire, Warrant Officer Jennings, with complete disregard for his own safety, landed his gunship near the crashed aircraft in order to assist the critically wounded observer. He directed gunship cover and the successful medical evacuation. He then led an attack on the enemy position, directed a series of Air Force air strikes, and covered the extraction of the wrecked aircraft. Through his courage and sound judgement, Warrant Officer Jennings contributed immeasurably to the success of the rescue operations as well as to the defeat of the enemy force. Warrant Officer Jennings’ outstanding flying ability 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.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lew Jennings, CW2, Troop A, 2d Sqdn (Ambl), 17th Cavalry, for heroism involving aerial flight evidenced by action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 December 1969. Chief Warrant Officer Jennings distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G helicopter on a night troop support mission in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. A reconnaissance team was in contact with an enemy force of unknown size and in need of gunship support. Realizing the urgency of the mission, Chief Warrant Officer Jennings volunteered to go to the team’s aid. He skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through marginal weather darkness, and mountainous terrain in the friendly location. Upon arriving on station, he came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Completely disregarding the intense fire, he made several low passes to orient himself to the enemy position. He then leveled accurate suppressive fire on the insurgents. Despite deteriorating weather, he remained over the team and continued to attack the enemy at point blank range until the hostile force was neutralized. Chief Warrant Officer Jennings’ 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.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Lew Jennings, CW2, Troop A, 2d Sqdn (Ambl), 17th Cavalry, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 3 January 1970. Chief Warrant Officer Jennings distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G helicopter on a visual reconnaissance mission in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. While providing support for a light observation helicopter, he received intense enemy small arms and anti-aircraft fire, sustaining several hits to his aircraft. He repeatedly engaged the enemy positions until all anti-aircraft fire was silenced. After expending his ordnance, he piloted his damaged aircraft to a secure area. Chief Warrant Officer Jennings’ 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.