DFC Bronze Star Purple Heart Air Medal
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OH-6A Cayuse Helicopter (Image:Vietnam Helicopter Museum)
Captain Gordon “Gordy” Armstrong was born in Framingham on 06 April 1944.He grew up on Edgell Drive.He was a 1962 graduate of Framingham High School (FHS) where he played baseball and basketball.After FHS,he attended Boston University.He received his bachelor's degree in 1966.He was also awarded the Army ROTC Superior Cadet Decoration Award.Following graduation and commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant,he attended the Army’s Rotary Wing Helicopter Training Program,where he finished 4th in a class of 105 students. He received his wings in 1967 and moved on to his first unit – D Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Hood,Texas.His command deployed to South Vietnam in the Spring of 1968 where he flew the OH-6A Cayuse reconnaissance helicopter.
On 16 August 1968,Gordon and his crew (co-pilot and gunner/observer)conducted an afternoon reconnaissance mission southeast of the ancient city of Hue (made famous to America during the Communist 1968 Tet Offensive).His task was to locate enemy units in support of US ground forces.While scouting the area at a very low-level,his helicopter was taken under automatic weapons fire.The helicopter evaded almost all of the fusillade,with the enemy only achieving one hit. Unfortunately,that one round impacted Gordon.The co-pilot took control of the helicopter and returned it to its airbase.By that time, however,Gordon had passed away.
For his valorous actions on that day,Gordon was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross(DFC) and the Purple Heart.He received the Bronze Star Medal for his efforts spanning from 22 July 1968 to 16 August 1968.His final resting place is in Framingham’s Edgell Grove Cemetery.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Washington, DC
Image:TogetherWeServed
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