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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Clifford Ernest Reese (MCSN: 0-63327), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 June 1966. Receiving a call for airborne medical evacuation from the Third Platoon of Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, who were engaged in bitter battle with an unknown number of Communist Insurgent Forces (Viet Cong), Major Reese immediately got his flight airborne and on the way to the scene of battle. Faulty and intermittent radio communications prevented accurate location of the casualties and prevented knowledge of the tactical situation on the ground. However, with courage and determination, Major Reese commenced an approach as soon as the zone was marked. Although the aircraft was receiving intense fire, he elected to continue and land. While under fire in the landing zone, he directed his gunship escort on target and called for the casualties. The ground unit was pinned down by enemy fire and could not bring the casualties to the aircraft. He attempted to air taxi to them, but intensive fire was received as the aircraft moved and he was forced to lift from the zone. Once airborne, he pin-pointed the exact location of the casualties and, directing his gunship escort on a run, he commenced another approach. Landing, he made a successful pickup and through skillful evasive tactics, he avoided aircraft damage. As he departed the zone the Viet Cong took his aircraft under fire again. By his courageous and daring actions and devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk Major Reese upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    March 10, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Clifford Ernest Reese (MCSN: 0-63327), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 March 1966. While serving as the flight leader of two armed UH-1E aircraft, Major Reese distinguished himself in action during the helicopter evacuation of Ashau outpost which was under heavy attack by a superior sized enemy force. The operation was conducted against an extremely well deployed and well armed enemy, who brought the intense fire of many heavy anti-aircraft automatic weapons to bear on the helicopters. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Reese made continuous effective attacks on heavily defended enemy positions, putting several of them out of action, enabling other helicopters to complete their evacuation. When his wingman landed to rescue friendly personnel, Major Reese drove back enemy soldiers, who attacked the other plane on the ground, inflicting many casualties and saving the other aircraft and its crew from capture or destruction. When he ran out of ammunition he continued making dummy runs on the enemy positions despite the heavy fire which struck his plane three times. Exhibiting uncommon courage, initiative and extreme professional skill, Major Reese escorted his wingman’s damaged plane from the zone and directed him on a safe course for home. Major Reese’s daring actions and exceptional leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.