AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-46

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Alan T. Schramm for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 15, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 March 1969, First Lieutenant Schramm launched as a Wingman in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of casualties from a Marine company heavily engaged with a North Vietnamese Army force northwest of the Rockpile in Quang Tri Province. Despite adverse weather which partially obscured the small landing zone, located on a mountain ridge, and intense hostile mortar and small arms fire encountered by the section leader when he landed in the zone, after having been forced to abort is first landing attempt, First Lieutenant Schramm completely disregarded his own safety as he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through the heavy volume of enemy fire to establish a partial hover with two wheels touching the sloping terrain in the Marine position. Undaunted by the hostile mortar rounds impacting neat his CH-46, he steadfastly maintained his dangerously exposed position and embarked the wounded men until the increased intensity of North Vietnamese fire forced him to depart the area for the medical facilities at the Vandergrift Combat Base. Resolutely determined to extract the remaining casualties, First Lieutenant Schramm, ignoring deteriorating weather conditions, returned to the beleaguered company. Oblivious to the heavy volume of hostile fire directed against his helicopter, he boldly maneuvered in the fire-swept area on an adjacent ridge, again attained and fearlessly held his aircraft in a partial hover on sloping terrain until the remainder of the wounded Marines were embarked, then departed the area for the Vandergrift Combat Base. First Lieutenant Schramm's courage, superior airmanship,and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.