AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  KC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major George D. McLaughlin, Jr., United States Marine Corps for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 6 July 1967, Major McLaughlin launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a KC-130 aircraft assigned a Illumination mission in support of a friendly unit located north of Dong Ha. Arriving over the designated area, he immediately contacted the ground unit and commenced dropping his flares. Ignoring a heavily volume of hostile ground fire directed as his aircraft, he remained over the hazardous location and skillfully illuminated a North Vietnamese Army convoy moving along a road. Alertly observing a light rapidly approaching the aircraft, he immediately identified the object as an enemy surface-to-air missile. Reacting instantly, he maneuvered the aircraft to a lower altitude, skillfully avoiding the missile. Continuing his evasive tactics he quickly departed the hazardous area as four additional surface-to-air missiles detonated behind the aircraft. Major McLaughlin’s calm presence of mind, superb aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the in the face of great personal danger prevented the loss of a valuable aircraft and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.