The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Laurie E. Barnes, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 November 1968. During Operation MEADE RIVER, First Lieutenant Barnes launched as the Copilot aboard the seventh aircraft in a flight of 14 CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to helilift the assault elements of a Marine battalion into an enemy controlled area southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he skillfully monitored his instruments and directed the delivery of suppressive machine gun fire, enabling his aircraft to land, disembark its assault unit, and return to An Hoa and embark the second increment. Undaunted by the heavy volume of enemy mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire, and realizing the urgency of expediting the reinforcement of the heavily engaged ground units which were cordoning a large hostile force, First Lieutenant Barnes resolutely braved the intense enemy fire as he assisted his aircraft commander during the approach to the hazardous zone. When his CH-46 encountered an extremely heavy volume of hostile fire, wounding the pilot, First Lieutenant Barnes immediately seized control of the aircraft and skillfully maneuvered it to prevent crashing in the battle area. Climbing out of the dangerous area, he rapidly departed for the Marble Mountain Air Facility where his pilot was quickly evacuated to a medical station. First Lieutenant Barnes’ courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.