The
President of the United States takes
pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
(Gold Star in lieu of the Second Award) to
MAJOR LAWRENCE PAUL REIMAN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while
serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,
Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine
Aircraft Wing in connection with operations
against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On
12 March 1968,
Major Reiman launched as Section Leader
in a flight of eight CH-46 transport helicopters assigned
to resupply a Marine outpost on Hill 881 South near
the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Due to deteriorating
weather conditions, he maneu- vered his aircraft with
its external load of approximately two tons above
the cloud cover and orbited the drop area until fixed
wing aircraft had completed their air strikes.
Undaunted by a heavy volume of hostile mortar, rocket
and automatic weapons fire that damaged his helicopter
as he neared the landing zone, he resolutely continued
his approach and successfully released his vital
cargo in the drop zone. Sustaining additional battle
damage as he departed the hazardous area, he rapidly determined that
he could continue his mission while rendezvousing with
the flight over Khe Sanh. When requested
to medically evacuate seven wounded Marines from
the Khe Sanh Airfield, Major Reiman ignored a heavy enemy
mortar and rocket attack against the base while unhesi- tatingly
commencing his approach and skillfully maneuvering his
CH-46 to a landing near the medical evacuation zone.
As the casualties were being placed aboard the helicopter,
a mortar round exploded ten meters from the aircraft,
rewounding three of the evacuees and
seriously injuring four of the litter
bearers. Completely disregarding his own
safety, Major Reiman steadfastly remained in the hazardous
area until all eleven wounded men were embarked and
expeditiously delivered his passengers to the medical
facility at Dong Ha. Major Reiman's courage, superior airmanship
and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger
contributed significantly in saving the lives of several Marines
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
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