Navy Federal Credit Union

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:

    January 29, 1971

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Frederick E. Leek, II, 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 29 January 1971, First Lieutenant Leek launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency hoist extraction of a six-man Marine reconnaissance team which had sustained two casualties while heavily engaged in combat with a hostile force in a densely-jungled mountainous area in the vicinity of Landing Zone Ross in the Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he was informed by the Forward Air Controller (Airborne) that the beleaguered patrol was located in a small ravine at an altitude of 2,500 feet in an area surrounded by tall trees and dense undergrowth and that the Marines were under enemy rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire. Undaunted, First Lieutenant Leek coordinated his approach with the rocket and strafing runs of supporting gunships, skillfully maneuvered his aircraft to a hover sixty feet above the pick-up site, and completely disregarded his own safety as he resolutely remained in his precarious position while the members of the reconnaissance team attached themselves and their wounded comrades to the extraction line. Ignoring the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his transport, he expertly lifted his helicopter straight up to avoid the trees and then departed the dangerous area. While en route to Landing Zone Ross, First Lieutenant Leek was informed that one of the casualties on the line needed immediate attention. Reacting instantly, he maneuvered to a hover over a rice paddy, lowered the team members to the ground, landed nearby, embarked the Marines, and then departed for the hospital at DaNang. First Lieutenant Leek’s 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.