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The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (Gold Star in lieu of the Second Award) to MAJOR JOHN ALFRED CHANCEY UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 April 1968*, Major Chancey launched as Division Leader of a flight of four CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to resupply a Marine outpost on Hill 881 South near the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Due to poor visibility resulting from deteriorating weather conditions, he maneuvered his aircraft with its external load of approximately two tons above the cloud cover and orbited the drop area until fixed wing aircraft had completed their air strikes. Undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile mortar, rocket and automatic weapons fire as he neared the landing zone, he resolutely continued his approach and led his division into the hazardous area to successfully deliver the vital supplies. After expeditiously departing the area and rendezvousing with the flight over Khe Sanh, Major Chancey was diverted to an emergency medical evacuation mission at Hill 689 southwest of the combat base. While preparing to embark the last of the Marine casualties, his CH-46 came under a heavy enemy mortar attack. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near his aircraft, Major Chancey steadfastly held his helicopter on the ground until the last casualty was aboard. Despite sustaining severe damage to his CH-46 from a mortar round that impacted within five feet of his aircraft, wounding two members of his crew, he displayed exceptional skill in maneuvering the helicopter out of the fire-swept area. Unable to maintain effective control of the CH-46 after flying a short distance, he skillfully executed a single engine landing on a ridge. Coordinating the orderly evacuation of all personnel from the helicopter, he assisted in carrying the casualties to another aircraft which had landed nearby. Major Chancey's courage, superior airman- ship and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." FOR THE PRESIDENT, /s/ H. W. Buse, Jr. H. W. BUSE, JR.
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* The
"official" citation was dated incorrectly as 9 March 1968. Review
of After Action
Reprots and Major Chancey's
Flight Log Book confirm the date to be 8 April 1968.
Maj. John A. Chancey's History Index
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