AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-46

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Raymond R. Kielhofer, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group Fifteen in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 1 August 1969, during Operation Brave Armada, First Lieutenant Kielhofer launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of two casualties from a Marine unit operating in Quang Nam Province. Although his radar altimeters and his pilot's pressure altimeter malfunctioned shortly after he had become airborne, forcing him rely solely on his copilot's altimeter, he resolutely elected to continue his mission. Skillfully navigating his aircraft through adverse weather marked by thunderstorms, he arrived to within one-half mile of the extraction site, established radio contact with the ground unit, and was briefed on the tactical situation. After aborting his first landing attempt because of the intensity of the hostile fire and his inability to determine the precise location of the Marines's position in the heavily-wooded area when the ground flares burnt out, First Lieutenant Kielhofer, undaunted by the heavy volume of enemy fire and the difficulty of maneuvering his CH-46 in the darkness among the tall trees and other obstacles in the area, boldly commenced his second approach. Expertly manipulating his controls, he maneuvered down through the dense jungle growth to a landing within yards of the evacuees, embarked the wounded Marines, and skillfully lifted out of the precarious zone. First Lieutenant Kielhofer'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.