Page 69 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

JAMES M. RICHMOND
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James M. Richmond for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362, Marine Aircraft Group 36, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 February, 1967, Captain Richmond launched as Section Leader of two aircraft in a flight of six UH-34D Transport Helicopters on a medical evacuation and ammunition resupply mission of a besieged Vietnamese Army Ranger Battalion near the Tra Khouc River. After arriving over the area, contact with
the ground forces disclosed that the friendly unit was heavily engaged by Viet Cong forces on three sides and that close air support could not be used due to the proximity of enemy and friendly forces. While supporting F-8 aircraft made dummy runs over the enemy to divert their attention, the helicopters began their approach into the zone. Subsequently, when the ground unit’s advisor requested that two American advisors from a nearby area be brought to his position, Captain Richmond proceeded to the area and amidst enemy fire, embarked the two advisors and returned to his orbiting position. Considering the numerous hits the previous aircraft received while entering and departing the area, and in an effort to minimize the effects of the enemy fire, Captain Richmond decided to land in the small area which was surrounded by high trees, executing a difficult low level approach. After embarking his two passengers and taking aboard eight wounded Vietnamese Rangers, he lifted from the hazardous area. Despite the fact that the aircraft’s pylon was damaged by mortar fragments, he expeditiously delivered the wounded to a medical facility. Captain Richmond’s outstanding aeronautical skill, extreme courage, and unswerving 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.
SUMMER 2020 / DFCS News Magazine / 69