AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard H. Meydag for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron Six, Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 August 1968, Captain Meydag launched as Aircraft Commander aboard the second aircraft in a flight of four armed UH-1E helicopters assigned to support a Marine battalion which was engaged in search and destroy operations in the southern portion of the Demilitarized Zone near the Con Thien Combat Outpost. On two occasions, he delivered extremely effective covering fire that enabled the emergency extraction of Marine casualties to be accomplished successfully. Later that afternoon, the first wave of nine CH-46 transport helicopters landed to commence the extraction of the battalion and immediately came under intense hostile rocket and artillery fire which destroyed one aircraft and damaged another. Undaunted by the heavy volume of enemy fire, Captain Meydag fearlessly maneuvered his gunship on repeated attacks against the North Vietnamese artillery emplacements and other enemy positions until his ordnance was expended. After rearming, he returned to the embattled Marines and, ignoring the approaching darkness and increasing intensity of hostile fire, he continued to deliver his ordnance with such devastating effectiveness that the transport helicopters were able to land, extract elements of the battalion and medical evacuees, and resupply a Marine company that was to walk out of the area. As his division departed the area, Captain Meydag was informed that a medical evacuation aircraft was receiving enemy fire and resolutely continuing his determined efforts, he returned to provide suppressive fire, effectively covering the egress of the transports. His superb aeronautical ability and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Captain Meydag's courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard H. Meydag for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron Six, Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 September 1968, Captain Meydag launched as Pilot of a UH-1E armed helicopter assigned to escort a CH-46 Tactical Air Controller on an assigned emergency medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine unit which was heavily engaged with two North Vietnamese Army companies in Quang Tri Province. Arriving in the designated area, Captain Meydag skillfully adjusted illumination of the landing zone to achieve maximum coverage of the area despite deteriorating weather conditions. Following a briefing of the transport helicopter, he boldly commenced a determined attack on the hostile soldiers surrounding the landing zone, firing his rockets and machine guns with pinpoint accuracy. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, Captain Meydag made repeated low-level attacks upon the North Vietnamese positions, providing effective suppressive fire and, after aborting its first approach, the transport helicopter landed in the hazardous location on the second attempt and extracted the injured Marines. Captain Meydag's courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.