CITATION

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

MAJOR STEPHEN W. PLESS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a helicopter gunship pilot attached to Marine Observation Squadron Six in action against enemy forces near Quang Ngai, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 August 1967. During an escort mission Major (then Captain) Pless monitored an emergency call that four American soldiers stranded on a nearby beach, were being overwhelmed by a large Viet Cong force. Major Pless flew to the scene and found 30 to 50 enemy soldiers in the open [at coords BS 743 782]. Some of the enemy were bayoneting and beating the downed Americans. Major Pless displayed exceptional airmanship as he launched a devastating attack against the enemy force, killing or wounding many of the enemy and driving the remainder back into a treeline. His rocket and machine gun attacks were made at such low levels that the aircraft flew through debris created by explosions from its rockets. Seeing one of the wounded soldiers gesture for assistance, he maneuvered his helicopter into a position between the wounded men and the enemy, providing a shield which permitted his crew to retrieve the wounded. During the rescue the enemy directed intense fire at the helicopter and rushed the aircraft again and again, closing to within a few feet before being beaten back. When the wounded men were aboard, Major Pless maneuvered the helicopter out to sea. Before it became safely airborne, the overloaded aircraft settled four times into the water. Displaying superb airmanship, he finally got the helicopter aloft. Major Pless' extraordinary heroism coupled with his outstanding flying skill prevented the annihilation of the tiny force. His courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

THE ONLY THING WRONG HERE???

The only thing wrong here is that there should have been four MOH's vice only one. In the infinite wisdom of the USMC's "stingy" award system (IMHO), it was deemed that only one person (read "senior") could be awarded the MOH. In this case it was definitely and injustice to the rest of the crew. They did a helluva lot more than just sit in the helo; they were out retrieving the Army members and actively in combat with numerous attacking VC.

Semper Fi,
Arthur G. Friend
"Alfa Golf"

Here is a photo of the Crew!

MATCHING NAMES WITH PHOTO

Just for those who might not know, read the names of the crewmembers from left to right:

GySgt Leroy N. Poulson, NC
LCpl John G. Phelps, NC
Capt Rupert E. Fairfield, NC
Capt Stephen W. Pless, MOH
VMO-6 - 19 Aug 67

Alfa Golf

MATCHING NAMES WITH PHOTO

Does anyone know the whereabouts of the rest of the crew?

location of rest of crew

Someone told me at the last Pensacola reunion that 'Skeets' Fairfield lived right there in Milton. I didn't see him at the reunion, so I suppose he didn't come. Someone should call him.

Whereabouts identified

Mike Leahy is in contact with all three of the living crew members involved in this MOH mission. There is no question that each individual on this crew exceeded the operational requirement to earn an individual Medal of Honor.

After the artwork is completed, we will provide the addresses of the participants after receiving their permission to disseminate same. At the present, they are VERY involved in making sure that the detail in the watercolor is exceptionally accurate.

At the same time that the painting is released to the USMC Historical Section, we will attempt to tell the story, as it actually happened, that morning of 19 August 1967 on the beach in RVN.

The only piece of the puzzle that is missing is the location of the U S Army man, SSgt Lawrence H. Allen, whose life was saved by this crew. It is understood that he is living back home in Canada. If anyone can locate him, it would be a great addition to the project.