Subdeacon Joe Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 Vietnam War Stories ntfSp2o1nosoorehd · A Skilled and Heroic Chopper Pilot #VWS Upon arrival to D Troop in December of 1967, a new 2nd Lieutenant named Allen “Ace” Cozzalio made a quick impression as a renegade pilot that led from the front. He loved the cavalry and its historical elements. When not flying, he was often be seen wearing the traditional 1860s blue cavalry uniform with a yellow scarf, stetson hat, and cavalry officer’s saber. Always the cowboy, instead of using briefcases to carry around massive amounts of paperwork like other pilots, “Ace” opted to use saddlebags instead. During his eighteen months in Vietnam, Allen Ace Cozzalio was shot down six times. On several other occasions he brought his Loach back home so damaged from enemy fire that it was no longer flyable. He received every medal for valor except the Medal of Honor. Among his legendary exploits, Cozzalio, after seeing a Huey crash and explode in flames, landed his OH-6 Loach nearby and he and his crew chief rescued the unconscious pilot and co-pilot. Cozzalio and his crew chief received the Soldier’s Medal for their actions that day. Following the 9th Infantry Division’s Battle of Phu My, Cozzalio was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for performing an incredible act of bravery. Seeing that a 90-man unit crossing an open field was pinned down by NVA machine gun fire from a reinforced bunker, he landed his Loach on top of the bunker while his gunner jumped out and tossed a grenade into it. Cozzalio lifted off just before the grenade exploded and destroyed the bunker. #VietnamWarStories #vietnamvet #Salute #usmilitary #americanmilitary #VietnamWar #vietnamwarfootageandstories #usarmy #VietnamWarVeteran #usarmyvet #neverforget #heroes #HeroesInUniform #neverforgotten #aviation Original description and photos sourced by vva.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 CITATION: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Armor) Alan A. Cozzalio (ASN: 0-5241198), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troup D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, 9th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Cozzalio distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 January 1969 as a helicopter pilot near Phu My Village in Dinh Tuong Province. An infantry company was crossing an open field when one of the elements suddenly received fire from an enemy bunker complex, killing five men and wounding several others. The proximity of the Americans to the communists and the difficulty of pinpointing the hostile strongholds made it nearly impossible for supporting helicopters to attack the foe. Lieutenant Cozzalio landed his Cobra gun ship and switched to a light observation helicopter to increase his maneuverability. Despite intense small arms, machine gun and anti-aircraft fire, he hovered ten feet above the bunker and made a nose dive, destroying the fortification with mini gun fire and fragmentation grenades. After landing to brief the ground commander on the best route of assault, he returned to his Cobra and kept the enemy troops pinned down until the ground unit overran them. First Lieutenant Cozzalio's extraordinary heroism 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 A special kind of bravery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailrider #896 Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 Hope he made it home. Did he make the Army his career? Wonder what he is doing today? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El CupAJoe Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 2 hours ago, Trailrider #896 said: Hope he made it home. Did he make the Army his career? Wonder what he is doing today? Alan Cozzalio | Military Wiki | Fandom (wikia.org) Heart transplant complications in '93, Portland OR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 Sorry to hear that he's gone, but you just gotta love a maverick. They keep the world a better place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L Posted March 15, 2021 Share Posted March 15, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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