More detail on this person: My father was
awarded the Distinguished flying cross from the
1st Aviation Brigade, 240th Aslt Hel Co. on
February 23, 1968. It states that the "theater"
was Republic of Viet Nam, and the date of the
action was November 4th, 1967.
This award was for "heroism while participating in
aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above
and beyond the call of duty. Warrant Officer
Underwood distinguished himself while serving as
aircraft commander on a UH-1H helicoptor on an
emergency ammunition resupply mission east of
Can Duroc, Republic of Viet Nam. With his
aircraft shot up from and ealier troop insertion,
he volunteered to fly the mission to the troops he
had inserted earlier, who were now engaged in an
extremely fierce fire fight with the enemy. It
was dark and the ground troops had no flares to
make a landing spot. Despite the extremely
dangerous circumstances, he sped his helicoptor to
the area and set up his approach. Advised by his
command and control ship that he was in a
murderous crossfire, he elected to contnue the
mission. After landing, his crew safely and
swiftly unloaded the ammunition in the midst of a
three way blazing crossfire. 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."
He did serve 2 tours in Viet Nam. He was there
1970-71 and 1967-68. He received the VietNam
cross of Gallantry and many other ones, I have
them all listed, I'll look them up for you and get
back to you. He was the lead pilot for Lifeflight
at Allegheny General until he became too ill to
fly with his cancer. Lifeflight did a missing man
formation at his burial service. His 2nd in
command, Eugene Wilkins was also a VietNam
Helicoptor Pilot.
From: Cynthia Goodyear
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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