Official Orders
NO. 639/SD5BB/CL/ADHT

Republic of Vietnam
Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam
III Corps
5th Infantry Division
General Staffs
Adjutant General

-In compliance with Decree no. 10-b dated 15/8/50, fixing the Gallantry Cross.

-In compliance with Regulations no. 74-b, dated 15/8/50, fixing the procedures of awarding the Gallantry Cross.

-In compliance with Regulations no. 614/a/II/SL, dated 1 July 70, fixing the systems of national defense organization, and of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Vietnam.

-In compliance with Instructions no. 655-402, dated 23/2/71, fixing the authorities of awarding medals to servicemen, alive or killed in action, within the Armed Forces of the Republic of VN.

Brave American pilots of 3rd Squadron 17th Air Cavalry, with excellent combat experiences, distinguished themselves in supporting ARVN units in SNOUL THEATER (CAMBODIA). They have supported effectively the 8th Regiment, which were attacking the enemy units. Despite the heavy hostile anti-aircraft fire, the above servicemen attacked the enemy targets, causing heavy casualties to the enemy. Therefore, they have contributed great efforts to the victorious results of the 5th Infantry Division.

Brave American pilots of 3rd Squadron 17th Air Cavalry, with excellent combat experiences, have distinguished themselves during the period from 25 May 71 to 1 June 71, in supporting the ARVN units which were being surrounded by communist forces in Snoul Town (Cambodia). Despite the intense enemy fire, they have directed effectively the air strikes against enemy targets, and therefore, they have pinned down the enemy large scale offensive. Besides they have kept frequent contact with the ARVN ground commanders. And owing to the informations given by the above servicemen, concerning the enemy maneuvers, the ARVN ground commanders could control the battle field with great efficiency. Therefore, they have contributed great efforts to the victorious results of the 5th Infantry Division.

Brave American pilots of 3rd Squadron 17th Air Cavalry, with excellent combat experiences, have shown meritorious services in supporting TOAN THANG operations, in Cambodian territory. Despite the intensive hostile fire, those servicemen have kept frequent contact with the ARVN 5th Infantry Division units, and have flown over enemy positions in low-level, so as to give the friendly unit commanders the latest enemy maneuvers. Besides they have casualties, as well as losses of weapons to the enemy. Therefore they have contributed great efforts to the victorious results of the 5th Infantry Division.

Brave gunship pilots with great enthusiasm, have distinguished themselves from 25 May 71 to 1 June 71, in supporting the ARVN regiment units at Snoul Town (Cambodia), while being surrounded by the enemy. In spite of the great danger to their own lives, subject pilots have supported the friendly units with effective air strikes and have fired down all major hostile offensives. Besides they have given complete detailed information of the ground situations to the ARVN commanders, who, with these data would control the whole theater more easier. These servicemen have contributed a great deal of efforts to the victorious results of the 5th Infantry Division.

Excellent pilots and crow members in charge of medical evacuations, having great sense of responsibilities, have shown meritorious service in Cambodian territory, from 25 May 71 to 1 Jun 71. While the ARVN regiment units were being surrounded by large enemy forces, and were being shelled by hostile ground artillery. Subject pilots managed to land at combat zones to evacuate the friendly wounded, regardless of the intensive enemy fire. Owing to those, these servicemen have contributed a great deal to the victorious results of the 5th Infantry Division.

Excellent American pilots and crew members, in charge of observation having a great knowledge of specialties have distinguished themselves in Toan-Thang operation, inside Cambodian territory, by coordinating with ARVN infantry units. In spite of the intensive enemy anti-aircraft fire, subject servicemen have observed calmly the whole combat zones, and have directed air-strikes against hostile targets causing heavy casualties, as well as losses of weapons to the enemy. They have contributed a great deal of efforts to the victorious results of the 5th Infantry Division.

"I certify this to be a true translation"
[signed]
JOHN R JOHNSON JR
CPT, AR
Adjutant

"A TRUE COPY"

Posted: 27Jan98
The Northwest Veterans Newsletter
http://members.aol.com/bear317/nwvets.htm
Text location: http://members.aol.com/bear317/vcg.txt

• Operation Snoul
• The Retreat of Snoul
• A Trip Through the Gates of Hell
• Snoul Battle As Reported By The New York Times
• Hanoi's Rain-Season Surge
• VC's Perspective of Snoul Battle
• The Truth of a Forgotten Battlefield
• The Art of Troop Withdrawal

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