Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Curtis Richard Bohlscheid, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander attached to and serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265) in Vietnam on 21 and 22 April 1967. Captain Bohlscheid flew in an emergency night troop lift of two Marine companies to reinforce the positions at Nui Loc Som, which had been under heavy enemy attack all afternoon. The flight was conducted against heavy enemy automatic weapons fire and under adverse weather conditions, which forced the helicopters down into close range of the enemy guns. Exercising skillful judgment, iron determination and displaying superior aeronautical skill, Captain Bohlscheid maneuvered his aircraft to a safe landing inside the landing zone, marked by only three flashlights. On his second approach into the landing zone his aircraft was hit several times by enemy fire and severely damaged, forcing him to wave off his approach and return to base. With one Marine company in place, the mission was postponed until the weather improved. When the decision was made to continue, he unhesitatingly volunteered to complete the mission. Captain Bohlscheid subsequently made three trips into the landing zone, under enemy fire, completing the mission on 23 April 1967. His courageous and selfless actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265)

    Action Date:

    April 21 & 22, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Curtis Richard Bohlscheid, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander attached to and serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265) in Vietnam on 21 and 22 April 1967. Captain Bohlscheid flew in an emergency night troop lift of two Marine companies to reinforce the positions at Nui Loc Som, which had been under heavy enemy attack all afternoon. The flight was conducted against heavy enemy automatic weapons fire and under adverse weather conditions, which forced the helicopters down into close range of the enemy guns. Exercising skillful judgment, iron determination and displaying superior aeronautical skill, Captain Bohlscheid maneuvered his aircraft to a safe landing inside the landing zone, marked by only three flashlights. On his second approach into the landing zone his aircraft was hit several times by enemy fire and severely damaged, forcing him to wave off his approach and return to base. With one Marine company in place, the mission was postponed until the weather improved. When the decision was made to continue, he unhesitatingly volunteered to complete the mission. Captain Bohlscheid subsequently made three trips into the landing zone, under enemy fire, completing the mission on 23 April 1967. His courageous and selfless actions were in keeping with 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 265 (HMM-265)

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1967

    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 Captain Curtis Richard Bohlscheid, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander attached to and serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265) in Vietnam on 29 May 1967. Captain Bohlscheid launched as a Pilot of a CH-46A helicopter to attempt an emergency re-supply and medical evacuation for a company of United States Marines, previously engaged in a heavy fire fight with enemy forces for four hours. The mission was complicated by the small size of the landing zone located on a steeply sloping ridge, With complete disregard for the enemy fire directed at him, Captain Bohlscheid commenced his approach, guided only by a red lensed flashlight in the zone. Skillfully hovering his aircraft in the small zone, he dropped the much needed supplies to the ground, then calmly placed the rear wheels of his aircraft on the ground and remained in a partial hover with his rotor blades inches away from the trees and sloping terrain, while twelve wounded Marines were loaded aboard. When the wounded were safely aboard, Captain Bohlscheid skillfully flew his aircraft out of the zone and returned to medical aid. His heroic actions in accomplishing his mission under adverse conditions undoubtedly saved several lives. Captain Bohlscheid’s exceptional courage, superior airmanship and inspiring 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.