The  President  of  the  United  States  takes  pleasure in presenting the
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                                "For heroism and extraordinary 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.    On  21  April  1969,  First Lieutenant Monaghan launched as Copilot aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned  the emergency  medical  evacuation  of three  casualties from a Marine unit which was heavily engaged in combat with a large hostile force northwest of Liberty  Bridge  in  Quang  Nam  Province.   Undaunted by the  intensity  of  the enemy fire which had thwarted  three previous  attempts to extract the  wounded Marines, he  skillfully monitored his  instruments and equipment, assisted at the controls, alertly located and  reported the sources  of hostile fire, and provided a continuous  flow  of   vital  information  which  enabled  his  pilot  to  enter   the hazardous area and maneuver his aircraft to cover behind a tree line.   While his helicopter air taxied to  the  landing  zone,  First Lieutenant Monaghan  directed his  crewmen  to  concentrate  their   suppressive  fire  on  the  enemy  positions.  Although  his CH-46  was  struck  by  numerous  enemy  rounds,  he  completely disregarded his own  safety  as he aided  in maintaining  the  aircraft  in a  stable position until the casualties were placed aboard.  Departing the perilous area, he ably navigated his aircraft to the An Hoa Combat Base where the wounded men received  emergency  medical  treatment  and  then  continued  his  flight  to  the hospital at Da Nang.   Later the  same day, First Lieutenant Monaghan returned to   the same  dangerous zone  in response  to another  urgent  request to extract additional  casualties.  Although  his  aircraft came  under  intense  enemy  small arms   and  automatic   weapons  fire  as  it  approached  the  landing  zone,   he remained  calm  and provided precise flight data  which enabled his pilot to land in the fire-swept  zone,  embark the casualties,  and depart safely despite  serious battle  damage to his aircraft.   First Lieutenant  Monaghan's  courage,  superior airmanship,  and  unwavering  devotion  to  duty in  the  face  of  great  personal danger  were in keeping with  the highest  traditions of  the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.