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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William S. Humbert III, 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 263, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 30 October 1970, Major Humbert launched from the Marble Mountain Air Facility as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of a seriously ill Marine from a unit which was located four kilometers south of Nam O Bridge in Quang Nam Province. Despite heavy rains, winds which gusted to forty knots per hour, and the difficulty of identifying ground reference points because of the devastating floods caused by torrential rains and two typhoons in that sector of Quang Nam Province, he resolutely elected to attempt the extraction after being informed that the Marine's condition was rapidly deteriorating. Upon arriving over the designated area, he requested a flare ship to provide illumination during the extraction attempt. Undaunted by the extremely hazardous situation caused by high winds with visibility severely restricted by the heavy rains, Major Humbert skillfully maneuvered his transport to avoid the tall trees and a radio antenna in the area, established a hover above the medical evacuee, and lowered the hoist to the ground. After the Marine was securely strapped to the jungle penetrator and safely hoisted aboard, Major Humbert proceeded at low altitude out of the dangerous area and on to the hospital at DaNang. Major Humbert's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. William S. Humbert III is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.