Veterans and Military Families Caucus

Congressman Gerry Connolly will present the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star to Vietnam veteran Ronald Markiewicz of Woodbridge 39 years after the Army lieutenant and helicopter pilot risked his own life, while wounded, in two separate combat incidents to rescue downed helicopter crews and wounded Marines.

Connolly will present former Army First Lieutenant Ronald E. Markiewicz of Woodbridge with the two prestigious medals for gallantry in action and extraordinary achievement – authorized by the President of the United States – at a ceremony in Connolly’s Annandale office on Monday, July 19, at 2 pm. Markiewicz will be accompanied by family members at the ceremony in Connolly’s office.

Markiewicz was a first lieutenant in the Army’s 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division.

“It is truly an honor for me to have the opportunity to present this Vietnam War hero with well-deserved and long-overdue recognition of his gallantry in action and devotion to duty,” Connolly said. “Too often, we have overlooked the heroism, contributions, and sacrifices made by the men and women who serviced our country during the Vietnam War.”

WHAT: Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star Presentation Ceremony for Vietnam Veteran Ronald E. Markiewicz, 39 years after his heroic acts

WHEN: Monday, July 19, 2pm

WHERE: Rep. Connolly’s Congressional District Office
4115 Annandale Rd, Suite 103, Annandale, VA 22003

Complete descriptions of the heroic acts of March 21 and March 24, 1971 in Vietnam and Laos that earned Markiewicz these prestigious military awards follow:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 (amended by act of 25 July 1963), has awarded the SILVER STAR to

FIRST LIEUTENANT RONALD E. MARKIEWICZ
71ST AVIATION COMPANY, 14TH AVIATION BATTALION, 23D INFANTRY DIVISION

For Gallantry: in action on 21 March 1971, while serving as a UH-1 Pilot, 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, in support of combat operations in Vietnam. On this date, First Lieutenant Markiewicz participated in a valiant attempt to resupply Vietnamese Marines in Laos that were under siege by the North Vietnamese Army. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from several positions, he completed his landing approach, successfully offloading ammunition in exchange for four wounded Vietnamese Marines. During the takeoff, heavy machine gun fire ripped through the aircraft, piercing the fuel cells. Ignoring the enemy fire, First Lieutenant Markiewicz navigated the burning aircraft to a location below the landing zone to facilitate a safe rescue effort. Despite his own wounds and under machine gun fire, he carried a wounded Vietnamese Marine while directing his men to the rescue helicopter for evacuation. First Lieutenant Markiewicz’ gallantry in action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 2 July 1926, has awarded the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

FIRST LIEUTENANT RONALD E. MARKIEWICZ
71ST AVIATION COMPANY, 14TH AVIATION BATTALION, 23D INFANTRY DIVISION

For EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: during aerial flight on 24 March 1971, while serving as a UH-1 Pilot, 71st Aviation Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 23d Infantry Division, in support of combat operations in Vietnam. On this date, First Lieutenant Markiewicz attempted to extract downed helicopter crews from the border area between North and South Vietnam and Laos. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from several positions, he began his rescue attempt by skillfully avoiding a deadly hail of gunfire. As the UH-1 approached the ground, heavy machine gun fire tore through the aircraft. Impacting enemy rounds riddled the cockpit, causing shards of metal and plexiglass to cut him in multiple places. Ignoring his wounds, First Lieutenant Markiewicz successfully landed the aircraft, enabling troops to recover the downed crews. Upon completion of the sortie, he obtained a replacement aircraft and continued with the mission. First Lieutenant Markiewicz’ devotion to duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.