The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Richard Waggener Carr (MCSN: 0-68300), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing during Operation HARVEST MOON in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 December 1965. As leader of a flight of armed helicopters, Captain Carr assumed the additional duties of Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) when the assigned controller was seriously injured during a troop lift operation into an insurgent communist (Viet Cong) guerrilla stronghold. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, he courageously directed waves of helicopters into the landing zone, and, in between waves of helicopters, he performed a reconnaissance for the troops in the landing zone, pointing out Viet Cong escaping in a stream bed and holding them in place with machine gun fire until advancing troops took them prisoner. At the successful completion of the helicopter lift, Captain Carr responded to a call from another battalion of Marines which had troops pinned down by heavy Viet Cong mortar and machine gun fire from bunkers and trenches to their front. Demonstrating superior aeronautical ability, courage and determination, he attacked the Viet Cong positions with rockets and machine gun fire. Upon depletion of his ammunition and fuel, he returned to the airfield and was replenished. Returning to the objective area, he again attacked the target and directed the fixed wing strike aircraft for which he had called. Coordinating with the forward air controllers on the ground, and again disregarding heavy enemy fire directed at his aircraft, he flew at low altitudes over the enemy positions, marking them with hand dropped smoke grenades, and directed three successive flights of attack aircraft on the target with devastating effect, breaking the enemy defense and subsequently allowing the Marines to move forward and secure their objective. Throughout the remainder of the day and night he performed pathfinder and escort work for medical evacuation helicopters, and at one time found his way to a landing zone under marginal weather conditions so that the most seriously wounded Marines could be evacuated. The heroic conduct under fire and loyal dedication to duty demonstrated by Captain Carr were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Richard Waggener Carr (MCSN: 0-68300), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Richard Waggener Carr (MCSN: 0-68300), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM-161), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 21 September 1969, Major Carr launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency mission of extracting a six-man reconnaissance team from enemy controlled territory in a mountainous section of Quang Tri Province. Arriving over the designated area, he encountered extremely adverse weather and, because of the heavy overcast, was unable to establish visual contact with the ground unit. Directing his wingman to orbit in a clear area, Major Carr coordinated with the supporting gunship on station, penetrated the heavy cloud cover, and quickly located the small zone which was under attack by a North Vietnamese Army platoon. Fully aware of the danger involved but deeply concerned for the reconnaissance team, he carefully descended to fifty feet above the trees surrounding the zone and commenced his approach. Maneuvering his helicopter with exceptional skill in the extremely limited air space, Major Carr executed a perfect landing in the partially obscured zone, only twenty-five meters from hostile positions. Although his aircraft was under continuous enemy automatic weapons fire, he steadfastly maintained his precarious position until the entire team, including three wounded Marines, was safely aboard. Then, executing evasive maneuvers, he lifted from the fire-swept zone and guided by aircraft flares, joined his wingman, and departed the area. His resolute determination and complete disregard for his own safety inspired all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission. Major Carr’s courage, superb aeronautical skill, 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.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Richard Waggener Carr (MCSN: 0-68300), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.