Vet gets Silver Star, DFC for 1971 heroics - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Vet gets Silver Star, DFC for 1971 heroics

ANNANDALE, Va. — A Woodbridge man who risked his life to rescue a group of Vietnamese Marines during the Vietnam War has received a Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross, 39 years after his heroic deeds.

Ronald Markiewicz was an Army lieutenant and helicopter pilot in 1971, serving near the Laotian border. In March of that year, he flew two missions in which his chopper was hit with anti-aircraft fire. He was wounded both times.

The first mission resupplied a group of Vietnamese Marines and picked up wounded service members. The second allowed troops to recover downed helicopter crews.

Markiewicz received his medals from Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., in a ceremony Monday. Connolly’s office says it’s not unusual for delays in receiving medals, but 39 years is out of the ordinary.

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