LTC GEORGE V. ELLIS' CITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, AWARDED FOR HIS ACTIONS ON APRIL 24, 1969.

Awarded to LTC George V. Ellis

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, Americal Division
APO San Francisco 96374

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GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER  8037

20 August 1969

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AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

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1.  TC 320.  The following AWARD is announced.

ELLIS, GEORGE V, XXX-XX-XXXX, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, INFANTRY
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry,
11th Infantry Brigade APO 96217

Awarded:  Distinguished Flying Cross
Date action:  24 April 1969
Theater:  Republic of Vietnam

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Reason: For heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam.  Lieutenant Colonel Ellis distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 April 1969 while serving as Battalion Commander of the 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry.  On that date, a reconnaissance platoon was establishing its night defensive position near Tan Loe when it was attacked by a large enemy force.  The heavily armed insurgents inflicted several casualties on the friendly element and damaged the platoon's M-60 machinegun.  Upon monitoring a distress call from his command post at Landing Zone Debbie, Colonel Ellis immediately scrambled his Command and Control Helicopter, secured a machinegun and ammunition, and ordered his pilot to proceed to the point of contact.  As the aircraft arrived at the site, Colonel Ellis quickly assessed the tactical situation and directed his pilot to orbit over the enemy positions and place suppressive fire on the insurgents.  After several strategic emplacments had been silenced, he motioned for the helicopter to descend to an emergency landing zone so that the machinegun and ammunition could be taken to the besieged element and then resumed his aerial support.  He assisted in providing covering fire which enabled the beleaguered reconnaissance platoon to regroup and establish security once again.  His courageous actions were instrumental in minimizing casualties among his fellow soldiers and in thwarting the enemy attack.  Lieutenant Colonel Ellis' personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

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Authority:  By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926.