The President
of the United States
in the name of
The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting
the
Medal of Honor
to
STEPHEN W. PLESS
Rank and organization
:
Major (then Capt.), U.S. Marine Corps, VMO-6, Mag-36, 1st Marine
Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Near Quang Nai, Republic of
Vietnam, 19 August 1967. Entered service at: Atlanta, Ga.
Born: 6 September 1939, Newnan, Ga.
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 6 in action
against enemy forces.
During an escort mission Maj. Pless monitored an emergency call
that 4 American soldiers stranded on a nearby beach were being
overwhelmed by a large Viet Cong force. Maj. Pless flew to the
scene and found 30 to 50 enemy soldiers in the open. Some of the
enemy were bayoneting and beating the downed Americans.
Maj. 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 tree line.
His rocket and machinegun attacks were made at such low levels
that the aircraft flew through debris created by explosions from
its rockets.
Seeing 1 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, Maj. Pless maneuvered the
helicopter out to sea. Before it became safely airborne, the
overloaded aircraft settled 4 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 U.S. Naval
Service.
President Lyndon Johnson congratulates Major Pless.
US Govt. photo, Pless archives
