Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 3 Line: 9

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Andre M. LaVoy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice -- for missions on 31 January 1970 and 5 March 1970. The awards read, in part, as follows:

For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1970 Warrant Officer Lavoy distinguished himself while serving as team leader of an AH-1G armed helicopter team supporting a ground unit near the Demilitarized Zone, Republic of Vietnam. The ground unit was in contact with an enemy force and called in aerial support. Despite receiving heavy anti-aircraft fire on each pass, Warrant Officer LaVoy continually engaged the hostile positions until expending his ordnance. He returned to base camp, refueled and rearmed, and then returned to continue the mission. Warrant Officer LeVoy's accurate fire on the enemy positions, despite the intense hostile return fire, resulted in silencing the enemy gunners. His aerial support allowed the ground troops to regroup and advance toward the insurgents. .

For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 March 1970 Warrant Officer La Voy distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an AH-1G armed helicopter and leader of an aerial rocket artillery section in support of a ranger team near the Demilitarized Zone, Republic of Vietnam. The team made contact with an enemy unit in fortified bunkers and Warrant Officer La Voy instructed the rangers to mark their position and that of the enemy. He then led his section in an assault on the well-entrenched insurgents. Despite intense hostile fire, Warrant Officer La Voy made pass after pass, silenced an anti-aircraft emplacement, and neutralized the enemy force. His actions enabled the rangers to make a successful sweep of the enemy position.

For both of the above actions, Warrant Officer La Voy's personal bravery 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.