Walter Stanley Olinsky, Jr.
Warrant Officer 1, U.S. Army

On 16 September 1969, Warrant Officer 1 Walter Stanley Olinsky, Jr. was serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, in Pleiku Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, WO1 Olinsky was conducting a command and control mission for an infantry battalion engaged with an enemy force when he encountered severe weather conditions. Despite the increasing turbulence, rugged terrain and the onset of darkness, WO1 Olinsky continued his mission in support of combat operations. As he bravely continued his mission, his helicopter crashed, killing all aboard. His body was recovered.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal with Valor Device and Numeral 1
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Aviator Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation

For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 1 May 1969. Warrant Officer Olinsky distinguished himself while serving as the pilot of a command and control helicopter with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. While piloting his helicopter over a company in contact near Plei Mrong, Warrant Officer Olinsky was called upon to direct air and artillery strikes on the area. To ensure accurate fire direction, Warrant Officer Olinsky voluntarily made repeated low passes through the area of contact. With each pass the aircraft drew searing enemy fire resulting in considerable damage to the craft and Warrant Officer Olinsky being wounded six times. On the final pass, the helicopter sustained severe damage, rolling over in mid-air and plunging to the ground below. Although severely wounded, Warrant Officer Olinsky brought the craft under control and landed safely. Warrant Officer Olinsky's exceptional courage, professional skill and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Honors

The name Walter S Olinsky Jr is located on Panel W18 Line 96 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Warrant Officer 1 Walter Stanley Olinsky, Jr. is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Saugus, Essex County, MA.

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