Machowski, Joseph Anthony
Air Force Captain
Joseph Anthony Machowski, age 27, from Litchfield County Winsted, Connecticut .
Service era: Vietnam
Military history: Silver Star citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Joseph Anthony Machowski (AFSN: FV-3103931), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller, 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, 505th Tactical Air Control Group, SEVENTH Air Force, near Plei Toun Breng in Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam on 24 May 1966. On that date, while providing cover for a Special Forces patrol en route to their base camp, Captain Machowski discovered a multi-battalion hostile ground force waiting to ambush the patrol. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Machowski directed numerous combat sorties against the opposing force, constantly subjecting himself to heavy machine gun and automatic weapons fire. Captain Machowski’s clear knowledge of the potential of air power, and his ability and courage to use it to maximum extent, were the decisive factors in turning back a determined hostile offensive in the Central Highlands. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Machowski has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Date of death: Tuesday, May 24, 1966
Death details: Hostile, South Vietnam; killed when his unarmed reconnaissance plane was shot down.
Cemetery: Arlington National
Source: National Archives, Hartford Courant (1966), Military Times