AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1H, OH-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to William Van Noy, Warrant Officer WO-1, United States Army, United States Army Headquarters Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade (Airmobile) for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Van Noy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 25 November 1968, while serving as a pilot of a command and control helicopter during a combat mission near Thien Ngon, Republic of Vietnam. When elements of his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force, Warrant Officer Van Noy volunteered to mark the enemy positions for direct air strikes. While exposed to intense hostile ground fire, he made repeated low level passes over the enemy positions enabling the commanding officer to mark the locations with smoke grenades. With complete disregard for his own safety, Warrant Officer Van Noy continued to fly at low altitudes for over four hours. As a result of his heroic actions, the insurgents were driven from their emplacements, leaving much equipment and documents behind. Warrant Officer Van Noy's outstanding flying ability and 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.