AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to John A. Shoemaker, Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, United States Army, 189 th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 19 April 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an aircraft commander on a UH-1C armed helicopter covering the extraction of a long range reconnaissance patrol that was in heavy contact with the enemy near Dak To. When he had arrived on the scene, the patrol had already repulsed one attack and were expecting another one in a matter of minutes. He immediately engaged the enemy forces even though his ship was receiving a large volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire. As a result of his devastating attacks, the enemy forces broke contact and withdrew, allowing the rescue helicopter to swiftly enter the landing zone and pick up the patrol. He then escorted the ship to safety while continuing to suppress the heavy enemy fire. When he had insured the safety of the rescue ship, he returned to the area and continued to engage the enemy until their positions had been completely silenced. His actions 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 pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster) to John A. Shoemaker, Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, United States Army, 189 th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 20 April 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1C gunship when a long range reconnaissance team reported that they had sighted a force of twelve enemy soldiers preparing an anti-aircraft position. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker, after arriving on station and locating the enemy positions, engaged the enemy and immediately received heavy enemy fire. Although his ship received numerous hits in the cockpit which destroyed all his radios except for one channel on UHF, he continued to engage the target until it was destroyed. He then was informed that the friendly position on the ground had been compromised and volunteered to remain on station to cover the recovery ship for an immediate extraction of the reconnaissance patrol. He remained in heavy contact throughout the extraction drawing intense enemy fire and laying down a heavy base of suppressive fire which insured the safety of the recovery aircraft. Only after totally expending his load of ammunition on the enemy did Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker retire form the fray. His actions 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 pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to John A. Shoemaker, Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, United States Army, 189 th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 6 June 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during the extraction of a Special Forces long range reconnaissance patrol in heavy contact with a large enemy force west of Kontum. Enroute to the conflict, he encountered heavy monsoon weather, but expertly navigated his aircraft through thick clouds and thunderous downpours over treacherous mountain terrain. When he arrived on station, he immediately engaged the enemy and demolished the enemy automatic weapons positions which had the team pinned down. He continued to expose himself to enemy fire while the team was moving to the extraction point and during the extraction operation. During this time, he provided superb covering fire for the team and rescue aircraft. His courage and professionalism contributed immensely to the success of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

4.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to John A. Shoemaker, Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, United States Army, 189 th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 9 June 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1C armed helicopter and fire team leader during a mission to extract a patrol in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force. He led his fire team to the area of the patrol, pinpointed their location, and immediately came under heavy enemy fire. It was determined that a McQuire Rig extraction would be necessary. As the unarmed extraction helicopter began it's approach to the patrol, Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker flew between the enemy positions and the unarmed aircraft and suppressed the enemy fire. This bold ploy allowed the unarmed extraction aircraft to withdraw the patrol without damage or injury. Nevertheless, one member of the patrol had become separated and lost. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker volunteered to stay in the area under intense enemy fire to search for the lost member. Only after his fuel became critical did he return to Dak To Airfield. He immediately rearmed and refueled his aircraft and volunteered to return in search of the lost member. Due to severe battle damage of his aircraft, this attempt had to be aborted. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

5.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Third Oak Leaf Cluster) to John A. Shoemaker, Chief Warrant Officer, CW2, United States Army, 189 th Aslt Hel Co, Republic of Vietnam, for action dated 1 September 1968 for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving fire team leader of a Team of UH-1C gunships furnishing fire support for a long range reconnaissance patrol in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force near An Khe. The reconnaissance team was receiving heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire and was in grave danger of being overrun. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker flew his aircraft between the enemy location and that of the friendly unit, thus enabling the team to withdraw to a defendable position. On several firing passes, he accurately fired his 2.75 inch rockets and directed his gunners's fire into the enemy positions. Although his aircraft was hit numerous times by enemy fire, he remained on station until his aircraft's ammunition was expanded and his fuel was nearly exhausted. Chief Warrant Officer Shoemaker's courage and brilliant leadership saved the reconnaissance team from certain annihilation. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.