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 opera- tions against the enemy in the Republic  of  Vietnam.  On 15  May  1969,  Lance Corporal Neuman launched as  Crew Chief aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned  the mission of medically evacuating several seriously wounded Marines from  an  area northwest of  An Hoa.  Arriving over  the designated  location, he learned  that  the vastly  outnumbered  unit on  the  ground  was surrounded  by North Vietnamese Army  soldiers,  some as close as thirty  meters to  the Marine positions.  When  the  aircraft  commander nevertheless elected  to complete  the mission,  Lance Corporal Neuman  fearlessly  leaned  from  the open  hatch and, with complete disregard for  the enemy rounds directed at  the aircraft, ably pro- vided  the pilot with directive commentary which assisted him to avoid obstacles while  landing in  the confined zone.  As soon  as the ramp  was  lowered,  Lance Corporal Neuman boldly left  the helicopter and, seemingly ignoring  the mortar rounds  impacting  around  him,  helped  carry  the  casualties  aboard.  On  one occasion,   he  was  momentarily  stunned  by  the  concussion  of  an  impacting mortar round, but  recovered quickly and  resolutely continued his  selfless task. Upon lifting off,  the aircraft was subjected  to increased automatic weapons fire from all sides, but Lance Corporal Neuman, displaying  exceptional  composure, again  leaned from  the hatch  to provide  the pilot  with  guidance and  pinpoint targets  for  the aerial  gunners, while  simultaneously delivering  suppressive fire with his rifle.  His  heroic and determined actions  inspired all who observed him and  were   instrumental  in  saving  the  lives  of  eight  fellow  Marines.    Lance Corporal Neuman's courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal  danger were in keeping with  the highest  traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."