The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jacob L. Larue, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 February 1969, First Lieutenant Larue launched as Wingman in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of seven casualties from a Second Republic of Korea Marine Brigade unit heavily engaged with a hostile force south of DaNang. Electing to continue the mission when his section leader’s aircraft developed control difficulties and was forced to land in a nearby friendly position, he commenced his approach to the landing zone but was forced to wave off because of the intensity of the enemy fire. Coordinating his next approach with four supporting Marine gunships, First Lieutenant Larue, undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of hostile rocket-propelled grenade, rocket, mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire directed into the landing zone, skillfully maneuvered his CH-46 to a landing in the fire-swept area, embarked the wounded Korean Marines, and departed for the medical facility at DaNang. When informed that the friendly unit had sustained eight additional casualties who required immediate evacuation, he resolutely returned to the hazardous area and fearlessly maneuvered his helicopter through intense enemy fire to land in the dangerous area. Oblivious to the hostile rounds impacting near his CH-46, he boldly remained in his dangerously exposed position for approximately ten minutes to ensure that all the wounded were embarked before lifting out of the perilous area and departing for DaNang. First Lieutenant Larue’s 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 of the United States Naval Service.

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 Jacob L. Larue, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 6 March 1969, First Lieutenant Larue launched as Wingman in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to insert one reconnaissance team into the Elephant Valley area and extract another team. The replacement team was aboard the lead air- craft and both transport helicopters were being escorted by two UH-1E gun- ships. As the lead aircraft approached the zone, it came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire and was struck several times. Due to the tactical situation on the ground, the Section Leader waved off. Realizing that the team on the ground was surrounded by the enemy, and would require an emergency extraction, First Lieutenant Larue unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt the extraction, although the zone was unsuitable for helicopter landing. With complete disregard for his own safety, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into a hover close to the ground, and ignoring the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his helicopter, he steadfastly held his dangerous position until all eight Marines were safely aboard, then departed the hazardous area while still under enemy fire. As a result of his resolute determination and superior airmanship, the team members were successfully transported to their base. First Lieutenant Larue’s courage, superb aeronautical ability 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.