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HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601 In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General Fleet Marine Force, Pacific takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to MAJOR WILEY ROBERT CABLE UNTIED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement as a pilot serving with
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 on 3 February 1966. Major CABLE
flew as a section leader assigned to extract three Marine reconnais- sance
teams whose positions in the vicinity of Ba To had been compromised during
Operation Double Eagle. In the first rescue attempt, Major CABLE
realized that landing was impossible in the brush and tall trees which
covered the area. Although constantly exposed to sniper fire by the
Communist Viet Cong forces, he exhibited exceptional aeronautical skill
in hovering his helicopter among the trees while those trapped below
scrambled up the step of the cabin door. When Major CABLE landed
in a rice paddy where the second team awaited rescue, the volume of enemy
fire increased. While members of his crew temporarily suppressed
the enemy fire, Major CABLE assured that the team was embarked and was
leaving when one of the Marines fell from the helicopter. With great
presence of mind and com- posure, he landed again and remained in the hazardous
zone while the fallen Marine was retrieved and placed aboard. As
the helicopter approached for the third rescue attempt, the Marines on
the ground prematurely set off a smoke grenade revealing their position
to the enemy. Aware of the necessity for quick action, Major CABLE
began an immediate approach without the aid of escort aircraft and quickly
embarked the beleaguered team. While leaving the area, an enemy mortar
shell exploded just behind his aircraft. His daring effort was largely
responsible for saving the lives of that team's members. By his courage,
professional skill and selfless actions under continuos enemy fire Major
CABLE upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." FOR THE PRESIDENT, /s/ A. K. KIER A. K. KIER
Webmaster's
note: This is not a reproduction of the original citation.
It has been constructed from information printed in the Valley Courier
of Lockland, Ohio shortly after Major Cable was killed in the training
accident in 1968. |
Major Wiley R. Cable's History Index