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

Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant John R. Whitworth, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 5 February 1970, First Lieutenant Whitworth launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency mission of extracting an eight-man Marine reconnaissance team which was heavily engaged in combat with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force deep in Happy Valley in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he noted that four OV-10 Bronco aircraft and two Cobra gunships had suppressed enemy fire to the extent that the beleaguered patrol was able to move to an extraction site. After the Bronco aircraft laid down a smoke screen, First Lieutenant Whitworth, undaunted by the intensity of the hostile fire now being concentrated on his helicopter, boldly maneuvered his CH-46 on a low level, high speed approach into the hazardous area; skillfully maneuvered to a hover; and then backed his aircraft toward the hill mass until his rear ramp touched the steep hillside. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly remained in his dangerously exposed position until all the Marines had boarded and then effectively utilized the terrain to provide cover as he departed the dangerous area. First Lieutenant Whitworth's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.