Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron

    Action Date:

    July 27, 1953

    Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 36935 (November 10, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Owen W. Brainard (MCSN: 0-44729), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea while serving with a Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron on 27 July 1953. Serving as a pilot, Captain Brainard displayed exceptional courage, professional skill and devotion to duty. He volunteered to evacuate by helicopter two critically wounded Marines from a forward medical company to a hospital shop. Despite being informed that the flight would be made during the hours of darkness, over mountainous terrain and under adverse weather conditions, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and made a successful flight from the squadron’s forward echelon to the medical company and recovered the two wounded Marines. He then dauntlessly flew from the medical company to the hospital ship through heavy rain and fog without the aid of navigational instruments. His extremely skillful airmanship and determined actions in effecting the expeditious evacuation of the Marines aided materially in saving their lives. Captain Brainard’s alertness, efficient action and outstanding devotion to duty served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.