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 as a Pilot 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 the  afternoon  of 27 October 1969,  First Lieutenant Schoener  launched  as  Section  Leader  of  a flight of two CH-46 transport  helicopters assigned the  emergency medical evac- uation of a seriously wounded  Army of the Republic of Vietnam  soldier from a landing  zone  in mountainous  terrain twenty-two  miles  southwest of DaNang.  Arriving over the designated area,  he was informed  by the pilot  of an escorting gunship  that  the heavy overcast  and low-lying  fog and  cloud layers prevented him from determining the precise location of the casualty.   After approximately ten minutes,  the ground unit  reported that the  clouds were dissipating  enough for them to see the gunships and that they would ignite an illumination  grenade to mark the landing zone.   Undeterred by  severely  restricted  visibility  and the accompanying  difficulties  encountered  as  he maneuvered  his aircraft over the rugged  terrain,   First  Lieutenant  Schoener  resolutely  elected  to  immediately attempt  a  landing when he  saw that  the clouds  were once  again  beginning to close in on the  friendly  position.  As  he turned on  his final approach  into  the zone, his  aircraft came under intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire from enemy positions on  the mountainside  and valley floor, several rounds of  which struck his CH-46.   Undaunted,  First Lieutenant Schoener boldly con- tinued his approach, skillfully  maneuvered to a landing, and quickly  embarked the wounded soldier.  Expertly utilizing his instruments, he then lifted through a heavy  cloud  layer  and  departed  for  the   medical  facility  at  DaNang.   First Lieutenant Shoener'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."