The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second 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 9 May 1969, First Lieutenant Monaghan launched as Copilot aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned  the emergency  medical evacuation of ten  casualties  from  a  Marine  company  which was heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnam Army force near the village of My Heip (3) in Quang Nam Province.   Arriving  over the  designated area,  he found that the wounded Marines were located  in five separate  positions scattered about  in the open rice paddies and  that the proximity of the  opposing forces precluded the delivery of suppressive  fire  by  supporting  aircraft.   Undaunted  by  the  extremely  heavy volume  of  hostile  fire  directed  at  his  helicopter,  First Lieutenant Monaghan skillfully monitored his gauges, coordinated the  actions of the crew, aided at the controls, and provided a  continuous flow of vital information which enabled his pilot to air-taxi at low altitude  above the fire-swept, open rice paddies to all five positions and remain in the precarious landing zones until all the casualties were embarked.   Then,  he  assisted  his  pilot  in  lifting  out of the perilous area and navigated   his   CH-46   to  the    nearest   medical   facility.     First   Lieutenant Monaghan's courage, superior  airmanship, and  unwavering devotion to duty in the   face  of  great  personal  danger  were   instrumental  in  accomplishing  the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."