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

Citation:  1.) The 191st Aviation Company, on July 4th 1970, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in the Republic of Vietnam. While flying as the aircraft commander of a armed helicopter, scrambled to assist three friendly outposts at My Phone Tay, on arrival he immediately came under enemy ground fire. Unable to climb to a safe altitude due to low cloud cover, he made low level rocket and machinegun runs in a desperate attempt to suppress the assaulting enemy. When he realized a Medivac mission was in progress, receiving a volley of enemy fire, Warrant Officer Wethered, though low on fuel and ammunition, refused to depart the area until the Medivac could be safely escorted out of the area. Through a grueling four-hour battle, he sought and pressed the enemy, forcing them to rout. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were instrumental to the success of the mission. Mark A. Wethered is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.