Original Award Wording

 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Headquarters 101st Airborne Division

APO San Francisco 96383

GENERAL ORDERS 14 October 1968

NUMBER 7507

SECTION I

AWARD OF THE AIR MEDAL WITH "V" DEVICE (FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER)

1. TC 320. The following AWARDS are announced.

OVERSTREET, MILO M W3156884 (525-98-4321) WARRANT OFFICER (WO-1) Company A

(Air Mobile) 101st Aviation Battalion APO San Francisco 96383

Awarded: The Air Medal with "V" Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster)

Effective month: August 1968

Date action: 31 January 1968

Theater: Republic of Vietnam

Reason: For heroism while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. Warrant Officer Overstreet distinguished himself while engaged as a helicopter pilot against a hostile and prolonged Viet Cong night mortar attack against the Bien Hoa Airbase, he energetically and efficiently undertook the task of joining an Airmobile Force selected to make a difficult combat assault to the roof top of the besieged American Embassy in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. Despite the knowledge of the enemy heavy ground fire plus the fact that helicopter gun escort would not be used within the city of Saigon, he gallantly performed the mission. During the time of mass battlefield confusion he transported elements of the necessary reaction force to destroy the guerrillas who had breached the Embassy’s security. Though faced with overwhelming odds caused by the great volume of ground fire against a vulnerable aircraft and well-established defender, the mission was successfully accomplished when every enemy soldier was destroyed, while the friendly causalities were light. Throughout the operation he displayed a high degree of leadership, courage and devotion to duty. Warrant Officer Overstreet’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Authority: By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of Executive Order 9242-A.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

OFFICIAL: W. P. TALLON, JR

Colonel, GS

Chief of Staff