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 Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Officer in Charge of Detachment Alpha, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 27 December 1967, Major Althoff launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned an emergency medical evacuation mission in support of Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines which was pinned down by enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire from the fortified village of Thon Tham Khe. Arriving over the designated area, he learned that fourteen Marines were seriously wounded and required immediate evacuation. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Major Althoff unhesitatingly descended into the site and immediately came under enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he landed his aircraft between the enemy and the casualties, shielding his comrades from the hostile fire, and calmly waited as the wounded Marines were embarked. Suddenly, his aircraft was struck by the enemy fire, resulting in an immediate reduction in pressure in both his primary and secondary hydraulic boost systems. With all wounded aboard, Major Althoff, despite the decreasing hydraulic pressure, lifted out of the fire-swept zone and proceeded at a low altitude and slow air speed toward the beach. When he was no longer able to safely control his aircraft, he landed on the beach clear of the enemy fire, expeditiously transferred the casualties to his wingman’s helicopter and quickly supervised his crew in establishing a perimeter defense around his disabled aircraft. After the arrival of a security force, Major Althoff boarded another helicopter for the flight to the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE where he organized a repair crew and returned to his downed aircraft. When emergency repairs were completed, he lifted from the beach and returned his battle damaged helicopter to the U.S.S. VALLEY FORGE. His superb aeronautical ability and determined efforts won the respect and admiration of all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of his comrades as well as saving a valuable aircraft. Major Althoff’s courage, exceptional airmanship and unwavering 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
February 13, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 February 1968, Major Althoff launched as Flight Leader of a section of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned re-supply missions to the outposts on the hills surrounding the Khe Sanh Combat Base. While re-supplying Hill 881, his helicopter came under intense .50 caliber machine gun and small arms fire, and as he lifted out of the fire-swept area, an enemy 122-mm. rocket impacted in the zone, seriously wounding three Marines. Aware that he would encounter heavy enemy fire upon re-entering the hazardous area, he unhesitatingly volunteered to return to the zone and extract the casualties. As he neared the evacuation site, Major Althoff again came under intense enemy fire, but steadfastly continued his approach and successfully landed in the zone. Although under continuous enemy fire, he calmly waited until all the wounded were aboard and then skillfully maneuvered his aircraft out of the fire-swept zone. Major Althoff’s courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
May 13, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Executive Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 May 1968, Major Althoff launched as Flight Leader of a section of two CH-46 helicopters assigned to extract a four-man reconnaissance team in heavy contact with the enemy while attempting to recover a Marine killed in a previous engagement. When three of the team members were wounded, it was decided to insert a twelve-man reaction force to aid in recovering the casualties. Despite heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire in the landing zone, Major Althoff maneuvered his aircraft to within one hundred meters of the beleaguered team, enabling the reinforcements to reach the wounded more quickly. As a result of the intense mortar and automatic weapons fire and exploding hand grenades, the reaction force sustained two casualties and immediately separated, moving to three separate landing zones. Upon landing in the first pickup zone, his aircraft received battle damage from exploding mortar rounds. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, he proceeded to the second landing zone where he was again subjected to heavy enemy mortar fire. Upon arrival at the third zone, he observed that a landing could not be effected due to the steepness of the slope. Displaying outstanding aeronautical ability and undaunted by the hostile rounds which repeatedly struck his aircraft, Major Althoff hovered with the rotor blades barely two feet from the side of the hill until the last Marine was embarked. His courageous actions and resolute determination in the face of great personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of the beleaguered Marines. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Major Althoff upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
September 22, 1969 – September 1, 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 22 September 1969 through 1 September 1972, while serving with the Career Planning Branch at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Althoff consistently demonstrated exceptional talent in leadership and management of constantly changing and sensitive assignments. Undertaking his duties at a time when officer retention was seriously affected by the prolonged and bloody Vietnam conflict, he studied, identified and isolated the elements necessary to increase the retention rate of officers, in both qualitative and quantitative senses. He then developed an officer retention effort which was clearly sound in concept, characterized by original and imaginative thought, and singularly well-managed in execution. Largely through his efforts the trend of officer retention in the Marine Corps was reversed. The program today stands as one which is strong and productive, with more than two applicants for every Regular appointment available. Similarly, Lieutenant Colonel Althoff’s efforts in enlisted retention have inspired enlightened programs which have done much to change the character of enlisted career planning and retention to one of professional competence and personal interest in each individual. Largely through his efforts in quality control and career motivation, the Career Planning establishment was upgraded, and has become one contributing greatly to the maintenance of a truly professional quality career force. Lieutenant Colonel Althoff planned, organized, and administered the first Marine Corps-Wide Company Grade Officers Symposium to solicit the thinking of the young officers in the Marine Corps on the requirement to make the Marine Corps competitive with business and industry for the service of the nation’s finest young men. In short, to update the concept of “taking care of our own” in the modern era. His great skill and perseverance in handling the myriad of details attendant to the symposium and its follow-up action at Headquarters Marine Corps was the salient effort in the career planning field in 1971. Superior performance of duties typified above has been the hallmark of Lieutenant Colonel Althoff’s performance in accomplishing broad and diverse tasks in both combat and other assignments, and highlights the culmination of more than 20 years honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. By his outstanding personal example, dynamic leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Althoff reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
February 2, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Executive Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 2 February 1968, Major Althoff launched as Flight Leader of a section of two CH-46 helicopters assigned to extract an eight-man reconnaissance team surrounded and pinned down by an estimated 100n North Vietnamese Army soldiers five miles west of Dong Ha. Forced to rely solely on his instruments due to fog, rain and the darkness, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft through adverse weather conditions over hazardous terrain to arrive over the beleaguered Marines. Due to the seriousness of the situation, he elected to attempt the extraction without artillery or air support and immediately commenced his approach. Undaunted by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire as he began his descent, he resolutely continued his approach and landed near the Marines. As the team moved to board his aircraft, Major Althoff directed the delivery of accurate suppressive fire from all of his helicopter’s weapons, enabling the Marines to safely embark. Although the aircraft had received damage from hostile fire, he was able to lift out of the hazardous zone, only to receive an increasingly heavy volume of North Vietnamese fire that seriously damaged several internal systems of the helicopter. Despite the severe battle damage, he skillfully maneuvered the aircraft to Dong Ha and safely landed. By his courage, superior airmanship and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Major Althoff undoubtedly saved the lives of his fellow Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
May 18, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Executive Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 May 1968, Major Althoff launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 helicopters assigned an emergency extraction mission in support of an eight-man reconnaissance team which had sustained numerous casualties while heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force eight miles northeast of the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) that the team was under intense mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire and was unable to move from its position to the edge of a narrow ridge covered with dense foliage. Although there was no suitable landing zone, Major Althoff immediately elected to attempt an extraction and unhesitatingly commenced his approach into the fire-swept area. Despite the mortar rounds impacting near him, he skillfully maneuvered his helicopter to within ten meters of the Marines, placing his aircraft’s rear landing gear on the edge of the ridge while positioning the front of his helicopter over a steep precipice. Ignoring the intense hostile fire, he fearlessly maintained his position until all of the team members had been embarked and then skillfully lifted out of the hazardous zone, rapidly delivering the injured men to a medical facility. His exceptional aeronautical ability and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, superior airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Major Althoff upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262)Regiment:
9th Marine Amphibious BrigadeAction Date:
August 8, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major David Lawrence Althoff (MCSN: 0-64955), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with military operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 August 1967, Major Althoff launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 helicopters on a mission to conduct several insertions and extractions of Marine reconnaissance teams. Upon arrival at the site of his second insertion, he commenced his approach after fixed-wing aircraft and armed helicopters completed their landing zone preparation. The zone was located on a steep slope, surrounded on three sides by hills and partially obstructed by dead trees. After completing a difficult approach and landing, Major Althoff disembarked his team without incident and lifted out of the zone. As his wingman approached the site to disembark the second half of the team, he came under intense enemy ground fire and was forced to wave off. Informed that enemy troops were only thirty meters from the besieged Marines, Major Althoff realized that an immediate extraction was required due to the critically low fuel supply of all aircraft in the flight. Unhesitatingly commencing his approach, he disregarded the heavy volume of small arms and .50 caliber machine gun fire directed at his aircraft and safely landed in the confined landing zone. Calmly waiting in the fire-swept area, he steadfastly remained in his precarious position for five minutes until the team extracted itself from the nearby fire fight and boarded the aircraft. Then, demonstrating exemplary airmanship, he lifted out of the zone through the hostile fire and departed the hazardous area. His resolute determination and professional skill were an inspiration to all who served with him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of the mission. Major Althoff’s courage, outstanding aeronautical ability 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.