AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-34D

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Captain Robert Campbell Whitener, Jr., United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing on 10 October 1966 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong} forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On an emergency mission to extract a fourteen man Marine reconnaissance team under heavy enemy fire on a mountain ridge twenty-eight miles south of Chu Lai in Quang Ngai Province, Captain Whitener was flying the third helicopter in a flight of four aircraft. After arriving over the area, and because the landing zone would accommodate only a single aircraft, the helicopters approached one at a time, while the remainder of the flight orbited overhead. Despite covering fire from Marine jets and armed helicopters, the first two helicopters into the zone received intense enemy fire. The mission was further complicated by surrounding tall trees and dense elephant grass covering the zone. With only six Marines remaining in the landing zone, Captain Whitener unhesitatingly began his approach through an increasing volume of fire and without the covering fire of the helicopter gunships, which had exhausted their ordnance. He courageously maneuvered his helicopter but was unable to land in the limited area because of the uneven terrain. Displaying exceptional aeronautical skill, he daringly held his aircraft in a hover against the mountain slope while 300 pounds of equipment and four Marines were loaded aboard. Still under intense enemy fire, he lifted his heavily laden helicopter to tree top level and executed a high speed departure to minimize his aircraft's exposure to hostile fire. His heroic and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of four Marines and helped prevent the enemy from overrunning the reconnaissance team's position. Captain Whitener’s bold initiative, superior airmanship and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.