Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Observation Squadron 3 (VMO-3)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    October 19, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jay G. Ackland (MCSN: 0-95474), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as an Aircraft Commander with Marine Observation Squadron THREE (VMO-3), in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. As Aircraft Commander of a UH-1st Battalion armed helicopter on 19 October 1967, First Lieutenant Ackland led a flight, consisting of his aircraft, one Army UH-1st Battalion armed helicopter and three Army UH-1D transport helicopters, on an emergency extraction mission in the Kobi Ton Ton area in support of a Marine reconnaissance Team. The Marines, surrounded by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, were under heavy fire and in imminent danger of being overrun. Arriving in the hostile area under adverse weather conditions and with extremely limited visibility, First Lieutenant Ackland directed the transport helicopters into orbiting positions to await the arrival of a flare ship. After pinpointing the position of the reconnaissance team, he briefed the Army UH-1D pilot on the situation, despite the heavy enemy fire directed at his aircraft. When the flare ship arrived, he assisted the pilot in dropping flares through the overcast into exact position to illuminate the landing zone. Then, directing the transport helicopters into the zone, First Lieutenant Ackland expertly maneuvered his aircraft in a sustained attack against enemy positions, providing highly effective suppressive fire and preventing the enemy from inflicting casualties among friendly troops. His steadfast determination and complete disregard for his own safety inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. First Lieutenant Ackland’s exceptional aeronautical skill, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.