Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 4 Line: 50

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

For heroism while participating in aerial flight: On 9 July, 1966, LtCol Tedesco was serving as Aircraft Commander of an armed CH 47 helicopter providing aerial support for an armored vehicle convoy which had been attacked by a large Viet Cong force. During the battle, the aircraft's devastating suppressive fire significantly aided the ground forces in maneuvering against the insurgent positions. An increasing amount of hostile fire was directed at the helicopter as its effectiveness became apparent to the Viet Cong. Nevertheless, LtCol Tedesco continued his essential mission until the helicopter was finally hit by .50 caliber machine gun fire, knocking out its electrical and hydraulic systems, igniting a fire in the cockpit, and wounding both LtCol Tedesco and his pilot. Ignoring his painful injuries, LtCol Tedesco displayed exceptional piloting technique as he successfully brought the badly damaged aircraft down among the friendly troops. After landing, LtCol Tedesco continued to fight courageously, utilizing the aircraft's light weapons. When all ammunition aboard had been expended, he removed the machine guns from the helicopter and relinquished them to the ground troops. Throughout the battle, LtCol Tedesco's disregard for his personal safety and his aggressiveness contributed greatly to the overwhelming success with which the American units suppressed the numerically superior Viet Cong force. LtCol Tedesco's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.