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.
