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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Major Robert Edwin Ilzhoefer, Untied States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163, 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 the night of 2 November 1967, Major Ilzhoefer, then a Captain, launched as Section Leader of a flight of two UH-34 helicop­ters assigned to extract all the members of a seven man Marine reconnaissance team, who had been seriously wounded when an enemy booby trap exploded. The team was located in mountainous terrain west of Dong Ha in an area of unpredictable wind currents. In addition, the already hazardous flying conditions were compounded by poor visibility and a low cloud layer that obscured mountain tops. Although Major Ilzhoefer elected to attempt the extraction without the aid of a flareship, the deteriorating weather forced him to abort two attempts to enter the valley where the Marines were located. While orbiting over Camp J. J. Carroll to await the arrival of the flareship, he realized that, due to his rapidly diminishing fuel supply, he could wait no longer. As he commenced his third attempt to enter the valley, the flareship arrived and began dropping flares. With the aid of the illumination, he was able to locate the zone which was bordered on two sides by high trees and located on a 1,500 foot ridge line. As he commenced his approach, he came under enemy small arms fire. Ignoring the hostile fire, Major Ilzhoefer continued his approach and, just prior to landing, turned on his landing lights. Upon landing, the aircraft’s tail rotor was damaged as a result of an object that was hidden in the tall elephant grass in the landing zone. After his crew assisted four of the wounded men aboard, he at­tempted to lift off. After two additional unsuccessful attempts to lift off, the copilot alertly observed a cliff at the end of the zone. Despite the continuing enemy fire and the damaged tail rotor, Major Ilzhoefer maneuvered the aircraft over the cliff, which enabled the helicopter to gain sufficient airspeed to become airborne. Then, after briefing his wingman on the terrain hazards, he proceeded toward the nearest medical facility and, despite his dangerously low fuel supply, bypassed two safe landing sites to ensure more expeditious treatment for the seriously wounded Marines. His exceptional aeronautical skill and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who served with him and undoubtedly saved the lives of the four wounded Marines. Major Ilzhoefer's courage, superb airmanship and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the safe extraction of the entire team and 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 pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Major Robert Edwin Ilzhoefer, Untied States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163, 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 the night of 13 November 1967, Major Ilzhoefer, then a Captain, launched as Flight Leader of a section of two UH-34 helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of two seriously wounded Marines from a zone southeast of Con Thien. With marginal weather conditions greatly reducing visibility throughout the area, he directed his wingman to remain on alert at Dong Ha to monitor all radio communications while he proceeded to the designated area. Utilizing instrument flight conditions, Major Ilzhoefer skillfully maneuvered his aircraft at low altitude to the vicinity of the landing zone and contacted the friendly forces. Despite extremely poor communications, he directed the ground unit to verbally guide him into the zone and commenced his approach with his aircraft lights turned off in order to conceal his position from the enemy. When heavy rain obscured flares marking the landing area and the ground unit was unable to determine the approaching aircraft's position, Major Ilzhoefer aborted his initial approach and immediately elected to enter the zone using visual contact flight. Guided by verbal directions and two small lights on the ground, he successfully landed in the confined zone which was surrounded on three sides by tall trees. After the casualties were embarked, Major Ilzhoefer quickly lifted out of the area and proceeded to a nearby medical facility. Major Ilzhoerfer’s superior aeronautical ability, dauntless courage and steadfast devotion to duty undoubtedly saved two Marine lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.