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 Lieutenant Colonel Albert Neil Allen (MCSN: 0-59724/7335), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Aviator serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 January 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Allen launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency extraction of a reconnaissance team which was in heavy contact with a large North Vietnamese Army force at the bottom of a deep canyon in Quang Tri Province. Arriving over the designated location as darkness rapidly approached, he learned that the Marines were under a heavy volume of fire and, although there was not sufficient time for preparation of the area by accompanying gunships, he elected to attempt the operation and fearlessly commenced his approach into the zone. Coming under intense enemy fire as he neared the site, Lieutenant Colonel Allen also observed that the landing zone was studded with obstacles. Steadfastly disregarding the hostile rounds impacting from all directions, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into a difficult hover with his ramp against a steep slope and, calmly disregarding his own safety, resolutely maintained his dangerously exposed position until all the members of the reconnaissance team were safely embarked. In a display of superb airmanship, he then applied full power and departed the hazardous area. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of eight Marines. Lieutenant Colonel Allen’s courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of the mission 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 Major Albert Neil Allen (MCSN: 0-59724/7335), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364). Major Allen flew as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander in a troop lift operation in support of the Forces of the Republic of Vietnam into the heart of an insurgent communist guerrilla (Viet Cong) stronghold. The operation was conducted against an extremely well deployed and well armed anti-aircraft unit that brought the fire of many heavy automatic weapons to bear upon the incoming and departing waves of helicopters as well as laying down a destructive fire upon the landing zone. Exercising skillful judgment, iron determination and displaying outstanding aeronautical skill, Major Allen courageously maneuvered his helicopter into a safe landing while receiving serious damage during the approach and departure and utilizing all the skill at his command in saving the aircraft for further assault waves. Major Allen subsequently participated successfully in three additional heliborne assault landings into this very heavy fire to complete the mission which had been assigned. His courageous and selfless action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.