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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Ronald E. Markiewicz for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 24 March 1971 while serving as a UH-1 Pilot, 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, in support of combat operations in Vietnam. On that date, First Lieutenant Markiewicz attempted to extract downed helicopter crews from the border area between North and South Vietnam and Laos. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from several positions, he began his rescue attempt by skillfully avoiding a deadly hail of gunfire. As the UH-1 approached the ground, heavy machine gun fire tore through the aircraft. Impacting enemy rounds riddled the cockpit, causing shards of metal and plexiglass to cut him in multiple places. Ignoring his wounds, First Lieutenant Markiewicz successfully landed the aircraft, enabling troops to recover the downed crews. Upon completion of the sortie, he obtained a replacement aircraft and continued with the mission. First Lieutenant Markiewicz' devotion to duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.