AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-8E, AH-1G

Citation:  1.) No additional Info

2.) No Additional Info

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of the third Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John Telles, Jr. for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the republic of Vietnam. From 28 January to 23 March 1971, Major Telles participated in Operation Lam Son 719 as Aircraft Commander of an AH-1G Cobra helicopter and launched on seventy-eight combat missions involving twenty-nine point three flight hours to provide armed gunship support for CH-53 transport helicopters resupplying Army of the Republic of Vietnam fire support bases deep in enemy-controlled territory. Undaunted by constant exposure to intense hostile antiaircraft fire as he approached each base, he maneuvered his aircraft on repeated rocket and strafing runs and delivered his ordnance with such devastating effectiveness the North Vietnamese fire was suppressed sufficiently to enable the transports to enter the hazardous areas and safely release their cargo in the drop zones. On 3 March, Major Telles launched as Flight Leader of four Cobras assigned to support the emergency resupply of friendly fire support bases which were under extremely heavy attack by large hostile forces. After completing numerous supply missions, he was assigned the difficult task of supporting the insertion of bulldozers into Fire Support Base Lola which had sustained severe damage during an attack by a large North Vietnamese force. Despite approaching darkness and the difficulty of maneuvering through the smoke and haze over the rugged mountain terrain, Major Telles maneuvered his gunship through an extremely heavy volume of hostile fire and delivered his ordnance so effectively that the hostile fire was neutralized and the mission completed. Major Telles’ courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous missions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.