AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-46

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Donald Charles Brodie, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 4 February 1968, Major Brodie launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter form the Phu Bai air Base, despite a heavy enemy rocket and mortar attack. Assigned to evacuate Marine casualties form Hue City, he disregarded rain showers and a low cloud cover and maneuvered his aircraft at low altitude and reduced speed over enemy controlled terrain to the city. Guided by a single flashlight in the designated zone, he landed safely, embarked sixteen wounded men and expeditiously departed the area. Undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile fire encountered enroute to Phu Bai, he landed and steadfastly remained in the hazardous area until all the casualties had been moved to the medical facility. Late on the night of 6 February, Major Brodie launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 helicopters assigned an emergency resupply mission to the besieged city. Transporting an external load of fuel weighing 2,500 pounds, he exhibited outstanding skill as he maneuvered his aircraft under a 400 foot overcast over an area where previous attempts at resupply and evacuation had been thwarted by intense hostile antiaircraft fire and rocket barrages. Successfully avoiding ground fire enroute to the city, he suddenly came under extremely heavy enemy fire as he initiated his final approach to the landing zone. To preclude dropping his cargo on friendly troops, he maneuvered his helicopter fifty feet above the unlighted landing area and, guided by a single flashlight, lowered his cargo to the ground and expeditiously departed the area. Major Brodie’s courage, outstanding airmanship and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Donald Charles Brodie, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 May 1968, Major Brodie was Aircraft Commander aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter conducting an emergency troop lift near the Cua Viet River in Quang Tri Province and was diverted to assist another aircraft in evacuating several wounded men northeast of the Dong Ha Combat Base. Almost immediately after arriving over the designated area, he observed the evacuation helicopter come under enemy fire and crash. Realizing the necessity of rapidly extracting the survivors, he briefed his crew concerning the hostile positions and resolutely initiated his approach to the hazardous area. With complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly landed his aircraft and ignored intense enemy crossfire as he waited for the injured men to be to be embarked. Alertly observing two more Marines near the downed aircraft, Major Brodie steadfastly remained in the fire-swept zone until the two men were assisted aboard the helicopter. Despite a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire which damaged his aircraft and wounded five of his passengers, he maneuvered the heavily loaded helicopter out of the zone and quickly returned to Dong Ha. His resolute determination and superb airmanship inspired all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to saving several lives. Major Brodie’s courage, exceptional aeronautical skill and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.