The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Corporal George James Konvinski, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-164), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 September 1968, Corporal Konvinski launched as Crew Chief aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the extraction of a Marine reconnaissance team from an area southwest of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he skillfully assisted his aircraft commander in avoiding numerous terrain obstacles within the small zone, enabling the pilot to execute a safe landing. As the helicopter departed the site, a well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force commenced delivering a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire against the aircraft, causing severe damage. Informing the pilot of punctured engine fuel and oil lines within the passenger compartment, which were spraying fuel dangerously close to hot engine components, Corporal Konvinski quickly grasped the severed fuel lines with his hands, thereby reducing the escaping jet fuel to a minimum. Unable to completely halt the lead, he became drenched in volatile liquid that was in danger of igniting from the intense heat. Disregarding his own safety, he resolutely continued his determined efforts to restrict the loss of vital fuel, thus enabling the helicopter to return to a secure area. Corporal Konvinski’s courage, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.