The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Zebedee L. Rush, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 January 1969, First Lieutenant Rush launched as Copilot of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned a mission of inserting three groups of Marines into an area of Quang Nam Province. During his initial approach to the designated zone, he came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire from a nearby tree line and, disregarding the enemy activity, calmly pointed out enemy emplacements to the gunners as he closely monitored the gauges and provided his aircraft commander with descriptive commentary which enabled the pilot to concentrate his attention on landing the helicopter. During the second insertion, despite again being subjected to concentrated fire, he continued to aid his pilot and direct the efforts of the aerial gunners. Returning with a third group of Marines, First Lieutenant Rush was at the controls and, when his pilot was wounded by hostile fire, steadfastly retained control of the aircraft during lift-off. While the pilot was maneuvering away from the dangerous area, another round penetrated the helicopter, causing severe damage to the transmission. Aware of the flying limitations thus imposed, First Lieutenant Rush displayed superb airmanship as he furnished altitudes and airspeeds, thereby enabling the pilot to execute an emergency landing at an alternate secure location. His heroic and persistent efforts inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the success of the mission. First Lieutenant Rush’s courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger 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 Zebedee L. Rush, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 8 April 1969, First Lieutenant Rush launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of two casualties from a Marine company which was heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force in a jungled, mountainous area nine miles southwest of DaNang. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, he skillfully navigated to the designated area and found that heavy rain showers, dense fog, and a ceiling of only 100 feet above the landing zone would severely restrict visibility and his area of maneuverability. Undaunted by the hazards of maneuvering his aircraft in the darkness over the rugged terrain while under the constant threat of enemy fire, First Lieutenant Rush utilized his radar altimeter and, guided by M-79 flares fired by the ground unit, expertly executed a landing with his aircraft’s rear main wheels on the edge of a bomb crater and the nose wheel suspended above the ground. Although his rotor blades were nearly touching the surrounding trees, he resolutely remained in his precarious position until the two wounded Marines were placed aboard, and then departed for the medical facility at DaNang. First Lieutenant Rush’s courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.