The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Wiley Robert Cable, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement as a pilot serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing on 3 February 1966. Major CABLE flew as a section leader assigned to extract three Marine reconnaissance teams whose positions in the vicinity of Ba To had been compromised during Operation Double Eagle. In the first rescue attempt, Major Cable realized that landing was impossible in the brush and tall trees which covered the area. Although constantly exposed to sniper fire by the Communist Viet Cong forces, he exhibited exceptional aeronautical skill in hovering his helicopter among the trees while those trapped below scrambled up the step of the cabin door. When Major Cable landed in a rice paddy where the second team awaited rescue, the volume of enemy fire increased. While members of his crew temporarily suppressed the enemy fire, Major Cable assured that the team was embarked and was leaving when one of the Marines fell from the helicopter. With great presence of mind and composure, he landed again and remained in the hazardous zone while the fallen Marine was retrieved and placed aboard. As the helicopter approached for the third rescue attempt, the Marines on the ground prematurely set off a smoke grenade revealing their position to the enemy. Aware of the necessity for quick action, Major Cable began an immediate approach without the aid of escort aircraft and quickly embarked the beleaguered team. While leaving the area, an enemy mortar shell exploded just behind his aircraft. His daring effort was largely responsible for saving the lives of that team’s members. By his courage, professional skill and selfless actions under continuous enemy fire Major Cable upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.