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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Stephen D. Murray for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 14 November 1969, First Lieutenant Murray launched as Section Leader of a flight of two armed UH-1E helicopters assigned the mission of supporting the emergency extraction of an eight-man United States Army Special Forces reconnaissance team which was heavily engaged in combat with a North Vietnamese Army force of undetermined size in a mountainous area deep in enemy-controlled territory. Skillfully navigating his aircraft through adverse weather over rugged terrain, he arrived at the designated area and was informed that the beleaguered patrol had sustained three casualties, was surrounded and that an attempt to extract the team earlier that day had resulted in the loss of a friendly aircraft to hostile fire. Undaunted by the intensity of the enemy fire directed at his helicopter, First Lieutenant Murray boldly maneuvered his gunship on repeated rocket and strafing runs which suppressed the North Vietnamese fire sufficiently to enable the embattled patrol to move 150 meters to a more suitable pick-up site. Undeterred by continually deteriorating weather conditions which forced him to rely on his instruments for navigation, he resolutely returned to the precarious area on three more occasions after refueling and rearming at a nearby fire support base. On each of these flights, First Lieutenant Murray completely disregarded his own safety as he braved the heavy volume of enemy fire to direct the precise delivery of ordnance by supporting gunships and OV-10 Bronco aircraft and executed highly effective firing passes on the hostile positions. As a result of the devastating attacks, the enemy fire was suppressed sufficiently to enable transport helicopters to enter the precarious area and extract the reconnaissance team. First Lieutenant Murray's courage, superior, professionalism, 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.