Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Glenn F. Burgess (MCSN: 0-100907), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 26 August 1959, First Lieutenant Burgess launched as Wingman in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacuation of Marine casualties from an unsecured zone in a mountainous area of Quang Nam Province. When his section leader’s aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 800 feet during its approach to the landing zone, it came under an extremely heavy volume of enemy machine gun fire from hostile positions on ridges along both sides of its run-in heading, was extensively damaged, and crashed landed in flames fifty meters from the medical evacuation site. Rapidly assessing the situation, First Lieutenant Burgess completely disregarded his own safety as he resolutely braved the intense hostile fire and maneuvered his helicopter to a landing in the fire-swept area 100 meters from the burning aircraft. Undaunted by the rocket-propelled rounds impacting in the area and the rounds which struck and damaged his CH-46, he gallantly remained in his precarious position until all six crew members of the downed helicopter were embarked and then skillfully maneuvered his damaged aircraft out of the perilous area. By his courage, superior professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Burgess was instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)

    Regiment:

    Marine Aircraft Group 16

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    September 23, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Glenn F. Burgess (MCSN: 0-100907), 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 Operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 23 September 1969, First Lieutenant Burgess launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency mission of extracting an eight-man Marine reconnaissance team which had sustained one casualty while surrounded and heavily engaged in combat with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force in a mountainous area approximately five miles southwest of Thuong Duc in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed that, following strikes by OV-10 Bronco aircraft, he could begin his approach to the landing zone. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of hostile ground fire directed at his aircraft and the difficulty of maneuvering in the darkness through adverse weather over rugged terrain, First Lieutenant Burgess skillfully coordinated his approach with the fire of supporting gunships which flanked his helicopter and, guided only by a single strobe light on the ground, maneuvered to a landing with his aircraft’s two main wheels on a ridge and its nose wheel suspended over the edge. With exceptional skill, despite the turbulent winds and the intense enemy fire, he held his CH-46 in its precarious position until the wounded Marine and the remainder of the reconnaissance team had embarked and then departed the perilous area for the nearest medical facility. First Lieutenant Burgess’ 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.