GERALD D. GREEN, Chief Warrant Officer W2. United States Army, Troop A, 2d Squadron, 17th Calvary, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Date of action: 18 February 1971. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Chief Warrant Officer W2 Green distinguished himself while commanding a helicopter gunship during a visual reconnaissance mission in the Republic of Laos. While reconnoitering the area for location of enemy supply routes, the lead helicopter was shot down in close proximity of a large enemy force. Realizing that the North Vietnamese would capture the downed pilots, Warrant Officer Green attempted a rescue. After firing his rockets upon the onrushing enemy troops, he lowered his aircraft to the ground amid intense enemy fire. As the enemy soldiers approached to within fifteen meters of the crash site, Mister Green commenced firing his turret guns, suppressing their advance until the two injured pilots were aboard. Although sustaining several hits, Mister Green maintained control of his crippled aircraft and flew his wounded comrades to safety. Chief Warrant Officer W2 GreenÃs extraordinary heroism 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.
Mr. Green joined the Legion of Valor in 1974 and resides in Wyoming.