The Air Medal


 

               The  President  of  the United States takes pleasure  in  presenting  the   AIR MEDAL (Bronze Star for the First Award) to

SERGEANT WILLIAM K. MARTIN 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For heroic achievement  in aerial  flight while  serving  with Marine  Medium  Helicopter  Squadron  364,   Marine  Aircraft  Group  Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing   in connection  with  combat operations  against  the enemy  in the  Republic of Vietnam.   Late on the night of  2 January 1969, Sergeant Martin launched as an Aerial Gunner aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of a seriously wounded Marine from a unit heavily engaged with a hostile force in Quang Nam Province.  Undaunted by adverse weather and total darkness which increased the difficulty of identifying the landing zone, located in hazardous terrain surrounded by tall trees, he ably provided clearance information for his pilot during three landing zone approaches, two of which were aborted because of the extremely heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons fire encountered.  Alertly observing the source of hostile fire, he reported the precise location of the enemy positions, thereby enabling his aircraft commander to take evasive action and to pinpoint the hostile emplacements for the attacks of supporting gunships.  Assisting in embarking the injured man, he then aided in providing clearance data, permitting his CH-46 to lift out of the dangerous area and depart for the nearest medical facility.  Sergeant Martin's courage, superior professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."
FOR THE PRESIDENT,

/S/  H. W. Buse, Jr.

H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
 

Crew of YK-4

1stLt. Maurice J. Quinlan Pilot
1stLt. Larry W. Britton Copilot
Cpl. Jerry D. Ganney Crew Chief
Sgt. William K. Martin Gunner
Cpl. Robert H. Edwards Gunner

After Action Report
 
 

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