The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Arthur Charles Blades (MCSN: 0-90430), 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 afternoon of 27 July 1970, Captain Blades launched a Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency ladder extraction of a Marine reconnaissance team which had sustained two casualties while heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force in a densely-jungled mountainous area south of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed that the beleaguered patrol was located in a small ravine surrounded by tall trees. Un- daunted by the lack of supporting aircraft to provide covering fire and the intensity of the enemy automatic weapons fire directed at his helicopter, Captain Blades boldly maneuvered his transport to a hover above a small opening in the dense jungle canopy and fearlessly remained in his precarious position while the ladder was being lowered to the ground. Despite the temporary malfunction of the communication system between the cockpit and the cabin, hostile rounds which penetrated the cockpit, a ramp whose controls became inoperable, and the need to lower his helicopter down among the trees in order for the ladder to reach the Marines, he resolutely maneuvered his aircraft until it was at a level which the ladder could touch the ground. Although his aft rotor blades struck a tree, causing intense vibration, Captain Blades skillfully manipulate his controls to maintain a hover until the vibration stopped and until all members of the reconnaissance team had attached themselves to the ladder. Ignoring the heavy volume of enemy fire, he expertly lifted out of the dangerous area and proceeded to Landing Zone Ross where he safely lowered the Marines to the ground. Captain Blades’ 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.