The Distinguished Flying Cross


 
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  presenting   the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

MAJOR WILEY ROBERT CABLE

UNTIED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

              CITATION:

           "For heroism and extraordinary achievement as a pilot serving  with  Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 on 3 February 1966.  Major CABLE flew as a section leader assigned to extract three Marine reconnais- sance teams whose positions in the vicinity of Ba To had been compromised during Operation Double Eagle.  In the first rescue attempt, Major CABLE realized that landing was impossible in the brush and tall trees which covered the area.  Although constantly exposed to sniper fire by the Communist Viet Cong forces, he exhibited exceptional aeronautical skill in hovering his helicopter among the trees while those trapped below scrambled up the step of the cabin door.  When Major CABLE landed in a rice paddy where the second team awaited rescue, the volume of enemy fire increased.  While members of his crew temporarily suppressed the enemy fire, Major CABLE assured that the team was embarked and was leaving when one of the Marines fell from the helicopter.  With great presence of mind and com- posure, he landed again and remained in the hazardous zone while the fallen Marine was retrieved and placed aboard.  As the helicopter approached for the third rescue attempt, the Marines on the ground prematurely set off a smoke grenade revealing their position to the enemy.  Aware of the necessity for quick action, Major CABLE began an immediate approach without the aid of escort aircraft and quickly embarked the beleaguered team.  While leaving the area, an enemy mortar shell exploded just behind his aircraft.  His daring effort was largely responsible for saving the lives of that team's members.  By his courage, professional skill and selfless actions under continuos enemy fire Major CABLE upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

FOR THE PRESIDENT,

/s/ A. K. KIER

A. K. KIER
MAJOR GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
ACTING COMMANDING GENERAL

Webmaster's note:  This is not a reproduction of the original citation.  It has been constructed from information printed in the Valley Courier of Lockland, Ohio shortly after Major Cable was killed in the training accident in 1968.

Major Wiley R. Cable's History Index

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