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Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
C.
Keckler

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)

    Regiment:

    Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    January 11, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard C. Keckler (MCSN: 0-93224), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 11 January 1969, Captain Keckler launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency evacuation of two seriously wounded Marines from a patrol operating in Quang Nam Province. Forced to abort his first landing attempt because of intense hostile fire, he alertly detected many enemy firing positions as he climbed out of the area and transmitted their location for subsequent supporting arms fire and air strikes. When informed of the wounded Marines’ critical condition, he refused to wait for supporting gunships, following the friendly bombardment of the hostile positions, and resolutely commenced his approach to the landing zone. Advised to wave off when he encountered an extremely heavy volume of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he boldly elected to continue his mission and fearlessly maneuvered his CH-46 to a landing near the casualties. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting around him, several of which struck his aircraft, Captain Keckler steadfastly maintained his dangerously exposed position on the ground until both evacuees were embarked before lifting out of the fire-swept area. As he began to clear the area, he was informed that another Marine was seriously wounded and would require immediate evacuation. Skillfully coordinating his third approach with the air strikes of fixed wing aircraft, and although advised to abort his landing, he again braved intense enemy fire and maneuvered to a landing. Calmly waiting until the casualty was embarked, he then departed for the nearest medical facility. Subsequent inspection of his aircraft revealed such extensive battle damage that it was grounded. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Keckler was instrumental in saving the lives of three Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)

    Regiment:

    Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    November 23, 1968
    Award Announced in Leatherneck Magazine

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard C. Keckler (MCSN: 0-93224), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 November 1968, Captain Keckler launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned an emergency re-supply mission in support of infantry units participating in Operation Meade River south of DaNang. Aware that two other aircraft had been badly damaged by enemy fire while attempting the same mission, he nevertheless departed for Hill 55, obtained a load of supplies, and directed his helicopter to the objective. Arriving over the designated area despite deteriorating weather conditions, he executed an approach and skillfully completed the re-supply mission. Maintaining a flight pattern over the Marine position, he inquired if there were any casualties in need of medical evacuation and, upon receiving a negative reply, was preparing to depart for his base when the CH-46 was struck by intensive hostile fire and sustained extensive battle damage. Adeptly maneuvering his aircraft at a low altitude, he completed a safe landing at Hill 55, although one engine had failed during the approach to the landing zone. Captain Keckler’s courage, superb aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.