UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS---------------- HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC--------------------- ---------------------FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601

In the name of the President of the United States, the Commanding General,  Fleet  Marine  Force,  Pacific  takes  pleasure  in  awarding   the 
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

for service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

                            "For heroic achievement as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander  serving with  Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron  THREE HUNDRED SIXTY- FOUR,  on  27 April  1964.   Warrant Officer  MCKEE flew as a  Helicopter Air- craft  Commander  in  a  troop  lift  operation  in  support  of  the Forces of  the Republic of Vietnam  into the heart  of an insurgent  communist  guerrilla  (Viet Cong)  stronghold.   The  operation  was  conducted  against  an  extremely  well deployed and well armed  anti-aircraft unit that brought  the fire of many  heavy automatic weapons to bear upon  the incoming and  departing waves of helicop- ters as  well as laying down a destructive fire upon  the landing  zone.  Exercising skillful judgment,  iron determination  and displaying  outstanding  aeronautical skill,  Warren Officer  MCKEE courageously  maneuvered  his  helicopter  into a safe landing while receiving serious damage during  the approach  and departure and  utilizing  all  the  skill  at  his  command  in  saving  the  aircraft for further assault waves.  Warrant Officer MCKEE  subsequently participated  successfully in three additional  helibourne assault landings into this  very heavy fire to com- plete  the mission which had been assigned.   His courage and  selfless action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." 
 
 

TEMPORARY CITATION