Russell E. Laney

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the AIR MEDAL (Bronze Star in lieu of the First Award)

"For heroic 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. Late on the afternoon of 2 August 1970, First Lieutenant Laney launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of an eight-man Marine reconnaissance team which had sustained one casualty while surrounded and heavily engaged in combat with a numerically superior hostile force in a mountainous area northwest of Thong Duc in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area he found that approaching darkness and a low cloud cover would seriously hamper the extraction effort. Shortly after receiving a zone brief by the Forward Air Controller (Airborne), he commenced his approach to the pick-up site but was forced to abort his landing attempt when the heavy cloud cover obliterated the beleaguered patrol's position. Undaunted by the intensity of the enemy fire directed at his aircraft during its second approach, First Lieutenant Laney boldly maneuvered his helicopter in an air taxi at low altitude below the clouds up to the zone and skillfully maneuvered to a landing near the Marines while under the covering fire of supporting gunships and the highly effective fire of his aerial gunners. With complete disregard for his own safety, he resolutely remained in his precarious position until the reconnaissance team had embarked and then lifted out of the dangerous area and proceeded to Landing Zone 401. First Lieutenant Laney'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."