Anthony DeNoi, USAF, was
25 when he went to war in Vietnam with the 16th Special
Operations Squadron. As an Illuminator Operator his job was to
spot anti-aircraft fire launched to destroy his gunship. With
267 combat missions under his belt the airman, on March 30,
1972, was hit by two 57mm anti-aircraft rounds that set his
plane on fire, blowing off the wing and opening up the fuel
tanks causing
the crew of 15 to bail out into the Laotian jungle mountain
range called the Steel Tiger West. And, with a broken neck and
two paralyzed legs, he found himself alone 25 miles behind enemy
lines. He spent 13 hours in the jungle before a Pararescue Team
found him and then spent a year in the States recuperating
before volunteering to return to Vietnam to fly 38 more
missions. He spent 72 months in Vietnam where he earned 7
Distinguished Flying Crosses, 18 Air Medals and 1 Purple Heart.
CMSGT DeNoi retired from Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana, where
he received the Legion of Merit for his distinguished career. He
became the second most decorated enlisted man to serve in the
Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam era. |
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Copy of the
citation
Rep. Brooks presented
to Anthony Denoi
on May 30, 2011.
Rep. Brooks was truly
honored to present to him.
This citation in appreciation
for his dedicated service
to our country as a
member of the
United States Air Force. |
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ED
METZ |
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