Page 10 - DFCS News Magazine Summer 2013

The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Wilbert W. Sorenson, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major Sorenson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 24 November 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry during a combat support mission in the Sui Cau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. Receiving a request for assistance from an embattled unit, Major Sorenson exposed himself to the enemy ground fire as he made repeated low-level machine gun attacks against the hostile emplacements. Despite the
darkness and marginal weather conditions, Major Sorenson continued his attacks and directed an infantry unit into the area. Though his aircraft received numerous hits, he remained in the area, directing the ground elements and locating enemy positions for them. Major Sorenson’s outstanding flying ability and 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.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying
Cross to Major Wilbert W. Sorenson, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight evi-
denced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Major
Sorenson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 31 January 1968 while serving
as an Aircraft Commander of a UH-1R armed helicopter, during a combat mission in the Republic of
Vietnam. When an infantry unit became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained
several casualties, Major Sorenson volunteered to evacuate them. Disregarding his own safety, Ma-
jor Sorenson exposed himself to the intense hostile ground fire, as he flew at low altitudes due to
bad visibility. Despite the adverse weather conditions and the enemy ground fire, Major Sorenson
was able to successfully complete his mission. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty
are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Lewis C. Watt for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Sub Unit One, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron Sixteen, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connec- tion with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 29 April 1967, Captain Watt was Section Leader of two CH-37C helicopters launched on an emergency resupply mission for the First Battalion, Fourth Marines near Con Thien. After gaining radio contact with the ground unit, he was informed that the supplies
were desperately needed to sustain the Marines through the night, as they had been in contact with the enemy all day. Fully realizing that the landing zone had been under mortar fire during the day, he unhesitatingly made three trips into the hazardous zone. Whileproceeding to the battalion’s position on the fourth trip, Captain Watt was informed that the zone had received mortar fire again. Demonstrating ex- ceptional presence of mind, he chose a landing site outside the Marine perimeter and, under the cover of aerial fire supportfrom fixed wing aircraft and helicopter gunships, safely landed. As there were no Marines from the ground force nearby to assist in unloading the 4,000 pounds of cargo, his aircraft crew unloaded the supplies. Calmly waiting in the exposed zone until the unloading was completed, he lifted from the area and proceeded to Dong Ha for the remaining supplies. When he returned to the Marines’ position, CaptainWatt real- ized that his pervious landing site was probably a mortar target. Displaying outstanding professional skill, he chose a thirdlanding zone between the last two and skillfully landed despite intense enemy small arms and auto-
matic weapons fire. Again his crew had to unload the vast amount of supplies which forced him to remain in the exposed area for three to five minutes. After he lifted from the zone, the Marines left their perimeter in armored vehicles and retrieved the vitally needed supplies. All five sorties were made carrying maximum loads into zones barely able to accommodate both aircraft and, as a result of his courageous efforts, the infantry battalion was able to maintain contact with the enemy through the night. Captain Watt’s superior aeronautical ability, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty con- tributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to T. Sergeant Theodore J. Schmidt for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Ra- dio Operator of a B-24 airplane on many bombardment missions over enemy-occupied Continental Europe. Displaying great courage and skill, Sergeant Schmidt, fighting from his gun position, has warded off many
enemy attacks and has materially aided in the successful completion of each of these missions. The courage, coolness and exceptional skill displayed by Sergeant Schmidt on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Summer 2013 Issue Page 10