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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Michael G. Walker for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 January 1969, First Lieutenant Walker launched as Wingman aboard an armed UH-1E helicopter in a combined flight of nine Marine and United States Army aircraft assigned the emergency extraction of a nine-man reconnaissance team heavily engaged with a numerically superior hostile force deep in enemy-controlled territory. Despite a heavy overcast which blanketed the entire area, he boldly navigated his aircraft over the hazardous mountain terrain, up through a small opening in the ceiling, and proceeded with his flight above the overcast to the designated area. Upon learning that the team was surrounded by approximately 100 enemy soldiers and was in danger of being overrun, elements of the hostile force having advanced to within thirty meters of the friendly position, First Lieutenant Walker, ignoring the intense enemy fire, maneuvered his gunship down through the overcast and resolutely executed several low-level passes over the dense jungle canopy until he located the reconnaissance team. Assuming the flight leadership when the lead aircraft's radio became inoperative, First Lieutenant Walker, undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of hostile small arms, automatic weapons, and anti-aircraft fire directed against his aircraft, skillfully directed highly effective Marine and Army gunship attacks against the enemy positions and delivered his own ordnance with such devastating accuracy that the transport helicopters were able to execute a hover pick-up of the beleaguered team and depart the dangerous area. First Lieutenant Walker'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 of the United States Naval Service.