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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer Edward Shanahan for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aviator with Troop D, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division. On 10 December 1968, a group of enemy soldiers was spotted some 75 meters from a friendly position, and Warrant Officer Shanahan's gunship was called in to engage the enemy forces. Knowing that the friendly forces were in danger of being overrun, Warrant Officer Shanahan ordered the friendly troops to retreat and engaged the advancing enemy forces with the armament of his aircraft. When he expended his ammunition, he continued to make low passes over the enemy despite the heavy enemy fire in order to give the friendly troops time to withdraw. Later when friendly troops returned to the area, they found 19 dead and numerous enemy soldiers. Warrant Officer Shanahan's exceptional courage, outstanding performance and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.