Joseph C. Gross
Class of 1968
176th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, Americal Division USARV
Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander during the extraction under fire of a long range reconnaissance team. Despite the hazardous conditions of terrain and enemy fire, 1LT Gross maneuvered the aircraft into a stable and stationary position at tree top level to enable the team to be pulled through the canopy onto the aircraft. This was accomplished at significant personal risk and resulted in the team’s safe return to friendly control without any loss of life.
