February 23, 2005

Times staff

A Marine helicopter pilot will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross Friday at Camp Pendleton, Calif., for combat heroics in Iraq during the spring 2003 invasion, base officials said.
Capt. Armando Espinoza, a CH-46E Sea Knight pilot, was a helicopter commander attached to the Pendleton-based Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268.

In April 2003, he conducted multiple day and night casualty evacuations under enemy fire, supporting an attack into Baghdad by 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, according to a base press release.

Espinoza made four trips in all, resulting in the safe evacuation of 28 Marines and a family of seven Iraqis.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is the eighth highest Navy Department award. It may be awarded to an individual who distinguishes himself or herself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.