Warrant Officer in History—CWO Frederick Edgar Ferguson

By CW5 Leonard Scott Momeny, Ed.D.

Article published on: April 1, 2024 in the April-June 2024 Edition of the Warrant Officer Journal

Read Time: < 3 mins

On January 30, 1968, the North Vietnamese launched one of the most well-known military operations of all time, the Tet Offensive. The offensive was actually a series of surprise attacks that were coordinated across the entire country of South Vietnam, with a distinct focus on attacking both military and civilian centers of influence and power. One of the areas of focus for the enemy was the city of Hue. The Battle of Hue occurred between 31 January 1968 and 2 March 1968. Initially, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) were largely unprepared for the Tet Offensive, suffering terrible losses during the fighting. However, the brave action of the ARVN, US Marines, Soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division, and others would eventually push back the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and Vietcong.

One of the Soldiers contributing to actions during the Battle of Hue was CWO Frederick Ferguson. Born August 18, 1939, in Pilot Point, Texas, Mr. Ferguson was a CW3 during his actions at the Battle of Hue. Aside from the Medal of Honor, Mr. Ferguson was awarded two Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and multiple Air Medals. After Vietnam, Mr. Ferguson would continue his service in the Arizona Army National Guard, eventually achieving the rank of Major. However, Mr. Ferguson would again return to the Warrant Officer Ranks in order to continue flying and instructing in the UH-1 Huey. The citation that follows outlines his actions during the Battle of Hue.

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Ferguson, commander of a resupply helicopter monitoring an emergency call from wounded passengers and crewmen of a downed helicopter under heavy attack within the enemy-controlled city of Hue, unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt evacuation. Despite warnings from all aircraft to stay clear of the area due to heavy antiaircraft fire, CWO Ferguson began a low-level flight at maximum airspeed along the Perfume River toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese Army compound in which the crash survivors had taken refuge. Coolly and skillfully maintaining his course in the face of intense, short-range fire from enemy-occupied buildings and boats, he displayed superior flying skill and tenacity of purpose by landing his aircraft in an extremely confined area in a blinding dust cloud under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. Although the helicopter was severely damaged by mortar fragments during the loading of the wounded, CWO Ferguson disregarded the damage and, taking off through the continuing hail of mortar fire, he flew his crippled aircraft on the return route through the rain of fire that he had experienced earlier and safely returned his wounded passengers to friendly control. CWO Ferguson’s extraordinary determination saved the lives of five of his comrades. His actions are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.