Berman J. Ganoe’s Distinguished Flying Cross citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AUTHORIZED BY ACT OF CONGRESS JULY 2, 1926 HAS
AWARDED
THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
TO
STAFF SERGEANT BERMAN J. GANOE
UNITED STATES ARMY
CITATION:
for heroism while participating in aerial flight:
Staff Sergeant Berman J. Ganoe (then Specialist Four) distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action while operating in restricted areas designated by the highest levels of command in the Republic of Vietnam, on 24 March 1970. Sergeant Ganoe served as Crew Chief of a UH-1H helicopter involved with the extraction of an eight man reconnaissance team that was under intense hostile fire from an estimated company size enemy force. Sergeant Ganoe’s ship was flying chase for two AH-1G gunships that were providing the reconnaissance team with aerial fire support. The Cobra gunships made passes over the enemy expending ordnance and then started a brush fire and were forced to return to Dak To to refuel and rearm their ships. The reconnaissance team requested immediate extraction. They were already surrounded on three sides and had suffered two casualties. Sergeant Ganoe’s aircraft was the only one in the area capable of carrying passengers. With flames threatening to engulf the team, his aircraft went into the landing zone. His aircraft started receiving intense enemy fire immediately upon landing. Sergeant Ganoe delivered suppressive fire on the insurgent position, while helping the team to get aboard the aircraft. They were climbing out of the landing zone when the aircraft was struck by a B-40 or similar type rocket device. The aircraft exploded mid-air and crashed to the ground burning and was completely destroyed. Sergeant Ganoe’s extraordinary heroism 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.
Born: 25 November 1948 in Belleview, Fla…. Assigned to the 170th Aviation Company, 17th Aviation Group, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade… Also awarded the Bronze Star Medal… Remains recovered 12 April 12 1995 and identified on 20 June 2001