Page 67 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

RANDALL W. HAMMOND
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Randall W. Hammond, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as AH-1W Attack Helicopter Commander and Division Leader, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force in Southwest Asia, on 29 and 30 January, 1991. During 2 days of
intensive aerial combat against superior mechanized enemy forces, Captain
Hammond displayed exceptional aeronautical skill and bravery while leading a flight
of three attack helicopters against the first Iraqi advance onto Saudi Arabian soil.
When U.S. Marine forces at Uhn Jhul were unexpectedly attacked by an Iraqi armored
battalion, he led the flight into an unknown combat situation under low light level
ambient conditions to provide fire support for the First Light Armored Infantry
Battalion. Captain Hammond flew 12.5 hours while relentlessly attacking enemy armored vehicles, providing critical overhead illumination, coordinating fire support, and extricating friendly forces from a perilous engagement. Under his direction, the flight aggressively advanced forward of friendly positions through withering Iraqi fire, to first blunt and then repulse advancing enemy armor elements. Because of his diligent efforts, he contributed significantly to the defeat of the Iraqi attack and achieved the first enemy tank kill by a Marine Corps helicopter. Captain Hammond’s dauntless courage under fire, skillful airmanship, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Capt. Hammond in his USMC/Bell A-1W Super Cobra recorded the first tank kill by a Marine Corps helicopter.
SUMMER 2020 / DFCS News Magazine / 67