AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-34

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Wayne H. Gentry for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 September 1967, Captain Gentry launched as Section Leader of the second section in a flight of four UH-34 helicopters assigned an emergency medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine unit operating in the Que Son Valley. Arriving over the designated area, he learned that two helicopters had been shot down in the landing zone and was advised to orbit over a nearby area while fixed-wing aircraft conducted air strikes against the enemy force. Having previously participated in reconnaissance team insertions and extractions, all aircraft in the flight were low of fuel. After the sections alternately refueled at An Hoa, his section commenced a spiral approach into the landing zone and immediately came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Despite receiving a hit to his aircraft, Captain Gentry landed in the fire-swept zone, embarked five casualties, lifted out through the hostile fire and delivered the wounded Marines to a field hospital. Returning to the hazardous area, he skillfully maneuvered through the enemy fire, landed and evacuated several more wounded Marines. His professional skill and resolute determination were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission. Captain Gentry's courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Wayne H. Gentry for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 October 1967, Captain Gentry launched as Section Leader of three UH-34 helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of a Marine reconnaissance team heavily engaged with a hostile force southeast of An Hoa. Undaunted by the severely restricted landing zone surrounded by tall trees and the extremely heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire directed against his aircraft, he skillfully maneuvered his helicopter to a landing in the confined area, embarked his increment of the team, and lifted out of the area to direct the embarkation of the remaining Marines before returning to DaNang. Later that afternoon, Captain Gentry joined his flight with that of four other UH-34 helicopters assigned to extract 113 Marines from a position near An Hoa. Coordinating his approach to the landing zone with the rocket and strafing runs of supporting Marine gunships and the air strikes of fixed wing aircraft, he ignored the extremely heavy volume of hostile mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire as he boldly maneuvered into the fire-swept area on three separate waves to evacuate the Marines. Receiving an urgent request to extract forty-six men who were heavily engaged with an enemy force and were pinned down, Captain Gentry unhesitatingly proceeded to the beleaguered unit. With complete disregard for his own safety, he maneuvered his helicopter through the hail of hostile fire and landed next to a Marine whom he saw fall wounded. After embarking the injured man and five other Marines, he lift out of the dangerous area and departed for DaNang. Captain Gentry's courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous missions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.