Sec. 585. Sense of Congress regarding service of Gary Andrew Cyr

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Congress finds the following: On February 23, 1971, Corporal Gary Andrew Cyr was 19 years old. Corporal Cyr was assigned to the 10th Pathfinder Detachment in May of 1970 and served as a Special Operations Pathfinder until January 1972. In February 1971, Corporal Cyr’s Pathfinder Unit was tasked with supporting Operation Dak Soo Ri 71–1, a joint operation with Korean infantry units. On February 23, 1971, Corporal Cyr was the Pathfinder air traffic controller and cargo loadmaster for four flights and twelve landing pickup zones for the Operation, including the primary insertion point.

This Operation involved the insertion of over 1,000 Korean soldiers from two divisions and 31 sling loads of cargo transported by 35 helicopters over the course of the evening of February 23, 1971. Corporal Cyr was responsible for coordinating incoming helicopter flights and providing accurate on-the-ground information to the pilots, essentially operating as a one-man air traffic control tower inside a combat zone. Corporal Cyr’s leadership and execution enabled the mission to be completed in a minimum time period with no damaged cargo or casualties.

Corporal Cyr’s actions were hailed by helicopter pilots and officers from the inserting battalions. Corporal Cyr’s actions on February 23 epitomized the Pathfinder motto of First in, Last out, . William P. Murphy, Commander of the 10th Pathfinder Detachment, submitted a recommendation for the award of a Bronze Star to Corporal Cyr to 10th Combat Aviation Battalion Commander, Captain Charles E. Markham. Captain Markham approved the recommendation and submitted it to 17th Aviation Group Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jack A.

Walker. Lieutenant Colonel Walker approved the recommendation. The 10th Pathfinder Detachment began to stand down in December 1971 and deactivated in January 1972, before Corporal Cyr could be awarded the Bronze Star. Corporal Cyr’s initial award was lost as a result of the deactivation. That the House of Representatives— honors the heroism of Corporal Gary Andrew Cyr to successfully insert troops and ammunition on time and on target; and believes the United States Army, in light of new information, should consider revisiting decorating and honoring the courage and leadership of Corporal Gary Andrew Cyr.