The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 February 1968, Major Althoff launched as Flight Leader of a section of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned re-supply missions to the outposts on the hills surrounding the Khe Sanh Combat Base. While re-supplying Hill 881, his helicopter came under intense .50 caliber machine gun and small arms fire, and as he lifted out of the fire-swept area, an enemy 122-mm. rocket impacted in the zone, seriously wounding three Marines. Aware that he would encounter heavy enemy fire upon re-entering the hazardous area, he unhesitatingly volunteered to return to the zone and extract the casualties. As he neared the evacuation site, Major Althoff again came under intense enemy fire, but steadfastly continued his approach and successfully landed in the zone. Although under continuous enemy fire, he calmly waited until all the wounded were aboard and then skillfully maneuvered his aircraft out of the fire-swept zone. Major Althoff’s courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Officer in Charge of Detachment Alpha, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 27 December 1967, Major Althoff launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned an emergency medical evacuation mission in support of Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines which was pinned down by enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire from the fortified village of Thon Tham Khe. Arriving over the designated area, he learned that fourteen Marines were seriously wounded and required immediate evacuation. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Major Althoff unhesitatingly descended into the site and immediately came under enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he landed his aircraft between the enemy and the casualties, shielding his comrades from the hostile fire, and calmly waited as the wounded Marines were embarked. Suddenly, his aircraft was struck by the enemy fire, resulting in an immediate reduction in pressure in both his primary and secondary hydraulic boost systems. With all wounded aboard, Major Althoff, despite the decreasing hydraulic pressure, lifted out of the fire-swept zone and proceeded at a low altitude and slow air speed toward the beach. When he was no longer able to safely control his aircraft, he landed on the beach clear of the enemy fire, expeditiously transferred the casualties to his wingman’s helicopter and quickly supervised his crew in establishing a perimeter defense around his disabled aircraft. After the arrival of a security force, Major Althoff boarded another helicopter for the flight to the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE where he organized a repair crew and returned to his downed aircraft. When emergency repairs were completed, he lifted from the beach and returned his battle damaged helicopter to the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE. His superb aeronautical ability and determined efforts won the respect and admiration of all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of his comrades as well as saving a valuable aircraft. Major Althoff’s courage, exceptional airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 August 1967, Major Althoff launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 helicopters on a mission to conduct several insertions and extractions of Marine reconnaissance teams. Upon arrival at the site of his second insertion, he commenced his approach after fixed-wing aircraft and armed helicopters completed their landing zone preparation. The zone was located on a steep slope, surrounded on three sides by hills and partially obstructed by dead trees. After completing a difficult approach and landing, Major Althoff disembarked his team without incident and lifted out of the zone. As his wingman approached the site to disembark the second half of the team, he came under intense enemy ground fire and was forced to wave off. Informed that enemy troops were only thirty meters from the besieged Marines, Major Althoff realized that an immediate extraction was required due to the critically low fuel supply of all aircraft in the flight. Unhesitatingly commencing his approach, he disregarded the heavy volume of small arms and .50 caliber machine gun fire directed at his aircraft and safely landed in the confined landing zone. Calmly waiting in the fire-swept area, he steadfastly remained in his precarious position for five minutes until the team extracted itself from the nearby fire fight and boarded the aircraft. Then, demonstrating exemplary airmanship, he lifted out of the zone through the hostile fire and departed the hazardous area. His resolute determination and professional skill were an inspiration to all who served with him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of the mission. Major Althoff’s courage, outstanding aeronautical ability and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.