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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John T. Murphy for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363 in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 March 1966, First Lieutenant Murphy was assigned as Flight Leader of two helicopters to attempt the evacuation of several seriously wounded Marines from an area known to be insecure. Arriving at the assigned zone at dusk, First Lieutenant Murphy was forced to abort the initial approach due to intense automatic and small arms fire which scored several hits on his aircraft. Undaunted, he made a second approach and was in the process of embarking the casualties when mortar rounds were received in the zone. Despite the extreme danger, he courageously held his position until all wounded men were aboard, then demonstrated outstanding aeronautical skill in leading the flight safely out of the zone amid the hail of continuous enemy fire. His daring effort enabled the wounded men to receive prompt medical attention which undoubtedly saved the lives of many. First Lieutenant Murphy's exceptional airmanship, fortitude in the face of enemy fire and unfaltering dedication to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) ) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John T. Murphy for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron Two, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 January 1969, Captain Murphy launched as Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) aboard an OV-10 Bronco aircraft supporting a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the medical evacuation of Marines from a unit heavily engaged with the enemy in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area and learning that the first attempt to extract the casualties had been aborted because of the extremely heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire, he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft directly over the enemy to pinpoint their firing positions. After controlling the fixed wing aircraft strikes against the hostile emplacements, Captain Murphy, undaunted by the intensity of the enemy fire, skillfully maneuvered his Bronco on repeated firing runs which sufficiently suppressed the hostile fire and enabled the transport helicopter to land in the fire-swept zone, embark two critically wounded Marines, and lift out of the hazardous area. When informed that an additional Marine was seriously wounded and required immediate evacuation, Captain Murphy again braved the extremely heavy volume of enemy fire, resolutely maneuvered his aircraft on repeated firing runs, and effectively silenced the hostile fire, enabling the medical evacuation helicopter to land again in the same zone, embark the casualty, and depart the dangerous area without sustaining severe battle damage,. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of three Marines. Captain Murphy'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 Marine Corps and of the United states Naval Service.