Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 4 Line: 25

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Vic E. Musante served over thirty years in the Army National Guard as an Army Helicopter Pilot.
Served twenty years as Maintenance Officer and Test Pilot, flying Boeing Chinooks CH-47D, Sikorsky Skycranes, CH-54B and Bell Huey’s UH-1H.
Received Distinguished Flying Cross: Warrant Officer W1, United States Army Troop B, 7th Armored Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry, APO 96357 was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 20 May 1970, Theater Republic of Vietnam for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidence by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty:
Warrant Officer Musante distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of a light observation helicopter conducting a visual reconnaissance. When a helicopter gunship participating in the operation was shot down, he immediately volunteered to fly his aircraft over the area to determine if there were any survivors. Although completely exposed to the enemy, he repeatedly flew through a hail of enemy anti-aircraft fire to positively determine the fate of the downed crew. When he was certain there were no survivors, he swiftly engaged the enemy with his minigun, neutralizing several positions and marking several others with smoke grenades. Though he was constantly receiving fire, he continued his attacks until his aircraft was seriously damaged by machinegun fire. His courageous actions in direct face of enemy fire resulted in the confirmation of the status of an Allied crew and the destruction of several enemy targets. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.