Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification Number: 2004422184132
Story by Cpl. Paul Leicht

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (April 22, 2004) -- The Order of the Daedalians, America's premier fraternal organization of retired military pilots, presented the Outstanding Aviation Unit (Navy/Marine) award to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 here April 7 in a formal ceremony at the Officers' Club.

For their outstanding service in the Pacific area of operations in 2003, the Daedalians recognized the Marines and Sailors of HMM-165 for their distinction, performance in excellence and service to both the country and the Corps.

"Since its founding in 1965, this squadron represents the finest military aviation tradition and service, and we are proud to present the operational squadron of the year award to HMM-165," said Robert L. Dodge, 13th Flight awards presenter, Order of the Daedalians.

Beginning in January, the "White Knights" of HMM-165 deployed on USS Boxer and cruised to the Arabian Gulf. After offloading in Kuwait, the squadron was tasked with supporting Regimental Combat Team 1 for the duration of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On the night of April 1, 2003, HMM-165 comprised the CH-46 element of Task Force 20, the special team that extracted prisoner of war Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch. The "White Knights" operated from the Jalibah Forward Operating Base before retrograding to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, in preparation for their return home.

HMM-165 spent most of November 2003 in Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., in order to support Combined Arms Exercises with the 1st Marine Division. The "White Knights" are currently continuing training in preparation for deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit in December 2004.

With fellow Marines and pilots at his side, the award was accepted on behalf of the "White Knights" by Lt. Col. J.G. Doering, commanding officer, HMM-165, who thanked the order for their recognition and military service.

"The Marines and Sailors of HMM-165 thank (the Order of Daedalians) very much for a great honor from what we see as the greatest generation that defended our country over 50 years ago," said Doering. "We are honored and humbled to be here in your presence, and we are glad to take the time out of our schedule to talk to some of you and learn from your experiences. The same true grit that you had is with the Marines that serve today."

Founded in 1921 shortly after World War I, the Order of Daedalians first honored all World War I aviators who were commissioned as officers and rated as military pilots no later than the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. It perpetuates their names as the first to fly America's airplanes in time of war, according to www.daedalians.org.

The order's membership of commissioned, warrant and flight officer military pilots and (Women Air Force Service Pilots), with its worldwide network of Daedalian Flights and its comprehensive awards program, supports the military services and other aerospace activities.

The Order of Daedalians works to encourage several objectives including military aerospace activities, supporting the advancement of flight and flight safety, youth aerospace programs and development for military aerospace careers and to educate and stimulate the service of younger generations in the field of military aerospace, according to the order's Web site.

The Daedalian Foundation was established in 1959 to conduct educational, scientific and charitable activities in support of the order's tenets and objectives. The foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that relies on contributions, donations and bequests from the Daedalian membership to fund a comprehensive and varied award and scholarship program that encourages patriotism, integrity and good character in our nation's youth, military careers as commissioned pilots, safety of flight and excellence in the performance of military duties in service to America's armed forces.

"Our squadron's motto is 'Whatever it takes' because we know what we need to do to put our nation first for the country and the Corps," Doering said to the audience of Daedalians and fellow Marines in his acceptance speech. "We will do whatever it takes in the future to secure what you fought so hard for in your careers."