AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  UH-1E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Courtland Prentice Gray III for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 September 1968, Captain Gray launched as Aircraft Commander aboard an armed UH-1E helicopter gunship assigned to support the medical evacuation of a seriously wounded member of a reconnaissance team which was heavily engaged with a large enemy force southwest of DaNang. Arriving at the designated area, he alertly observed the source of the intense hostile fire and boldly executed a low-altitude attack upon the enemy emplacements. Realizing that his companion UH-34 transport helicopter was receiving a heavy volume of mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire and could not negotiate the fire-swept landing zone, Captain Gray directed rockets and machine gun fire into the hostile positions. Boldly exposing himself to the intense enemy fire, he maneuvered his aircraft between the hostile emplacements and the landing zone, enabling the transport aircraft to embark the reconnaissance elements and subsequently launch from the fire-swept terrain. His bold initiative and exceptional airmanship inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Captain Gray's courage, superior aeronautical ability and unfaltering 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.