AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-46

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Steven E. Fetzer for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group Fifteen, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 March 1969, First Lieutenant Fetzer launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of Marine casualties from a company heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese Army force northwest of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province. Arriving over the designated area, he found that the adjacent mountain peaks occupied by the company were under extremely heavy hostile mortar fire. Completely disregarding his own safety, First Lieutenant Fetzer commenced his approach to the landing zone, but was forced to abort his landing because of the intensity of the enemy fire. Orbiting the area until the volume of North Vietnamese fire had lessened, he then fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft into the hazardous area and established a partial hover with two wheels touching the sloping terrain. Undaunted by the enemy mortar rounds impacting near his helicopter, he steadfastly retained his dangerously exposed position until twelve of the casualties were embarked, then departed for the medical facilities at the Vandegrift Combat Base. Resolutely determined to extract the remaining casualties, First Lieutenant Fetzer ignored deteriorating weather conditions, which severely restricted visibility, as he returned to the beleaguered company, again braved the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire, and maneuvered to a landing in the fire-swept area. Embarking the rest of the wounded, he safely returned to the Vandegrift Combat Base. First Lieutenant Fetzer’s courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.