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 First Lieutenant Thomas J. Sullivan (MCSN: 0-102448), 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 Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 January 1969, First Lieutenant Sullivan launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned a medical evacuation mission near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he immediately realized that a hoist extraction would be necessary due to the dense jungle canopy. As he executed his approach, the aircraft came under intense enemy fire, forcing First Lieutenant Sullivan to abandon the attempt. Completely disregarding his own safety, he maneuvered twice more into position for the evacuation, only to abort the approach due to the heavy volume of hostile fire. Returning to the hazardous area after refueling at An Hoa, he fearlessly directed the CH-46 over the wounded Marine’s location and, seemingly disregarding the fire directed at his helicopter, skillfully maintained a hover during the twenty minutes required for boarding of the casualty. His heroic and resolutely determined actions were instrumental in saving the life of the injured Marine. First Lieutenant Sullivan’s courage, superb aeronautical ability and steadfast 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.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas J. Sullivan (MCSN: 0-102448), 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 Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 January 1969, First Lieutenant Sullivan launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the mission of evacuating two seriously wounded Marines. Skillfully locating the designated area despite adverse weather conditions and resulting poor visibility, he effected a rendezvous with the supporting helicopter gunship and commenced his first approach to the landing zone. Forced to abort the attempt due to the extremely intense hostile fire, he alertly located the enemy positions, and when two observation aircraft arrived, he ably directed their rocket rounds at the hostile target. When Fist Lieutenant Sullivan was cleared into the zone and was executing his second approach, his aircraft again came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued his efforts until he had landed the aircraft and embarked the two wounded men. While en route to the nearest medical facility, he was informed that there was another emergency medical evacuation nearby. Aware that he had only enough fuel for one attempt and that his helicopter would doubtlessly again come under enemy fire, he fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft into the zone and skillfully accomplished the second medical evacuation despite hostile ground fire. First Lieutenant Sullivan’s courage, superb aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in saving the lives of three wounded Marines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.