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 Executive  Officer of 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 morn- ing of 8 March 1970, Major Locke launched from Marble Mountain Air Facility as Copilot aboard the second aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicop- ters assigned to proceed to Landing Zone Baldy and engage in resupply missions in  support  of  a  Marine  regiment  operating  in  Quang  Nam Province.  When extremely adverse  weather conditions forced  his aircraft to be flown at fifty feet above  the ground,  he aided his pilot  in navigating toward  his destination  and had  moved  inland approximately  five  miles when  his aircraft  suddenly  came under intense hostile ground fire, several rounds of which penetrated the cockpit and   mortally  wounded  the  pilot,   causing  him  to  slump  over  his  controls. Although  seriously  wounded  by  an enemy round and  temporarily  blinded by blood which  covered his visor,  Major Locke fought  to gain control of his  heli- copter  as  it  nosed  over and moved sideways  in  an  unstable flight  condition. After  his  crew  chief  entered  the cockpit, pushed  the  pilot back into  his seat, thereby freeing the controls, and wiped his visor and instruments, Major Locke, despite  his  excruciating  pain, was able  to expertly manipulate  his controls  in such  a  precise  and  proper  sequence  that  he  was  able  to regain a level flight pattern.  With  flight  data supplied by  his crew chief,  he  then  maneuvered  his CH-46 to  the hospital at DaNang and safely landed.  His resolute determination and  superb aeronautical  ability  were  instrumental  in saving  both  a  valuable aircraft  and  the  lives  of  the remainder of his crew.   Major  Locke's  courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in  the face of  great  per- sonal  danger  were in keeping with  the  highest traditions of  the  Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."