The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Frederick A. Locke, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Executive Officer of 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 morning of 8 March 1970, Major Locke launched from Marble Mountain Air Facility as Copilot aboard the second aircraft in a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to proceed to Landing Zone Baldy and engage in re-supply missions in support of a Marine regiment operating in Quang Nam Province. When extremely adverse weather conditions forced his aircraft to be flown at fifty feet above the ground, he aided his pilot in navigating toward his destination and had moved inland approximately five miles when his aircraft suddenly came under intense hostile ground fire, several rounds of which penetrated the cockpit and mortally wounded the pilot, causing him to slump over his controls. Although seriously wounded by an enemy round and temporarily blinded by blood which covered his visor, Major Locke fought to gain control of his helicopter as it nosed over and moved sideways in an unstable flight condition. After his crew chief entered the cockpit, pushed the pilot back into his seat, thereby freeing the controls, and wiped his visor and instruments, Major Locke, despite his excruciating pain, was able to expertly manipulate his controls in such a precise and proper sequence that he was able to regain a level flight pattern. With flight data supplied by his crew chief, he then maneuvered his CH-46 to the hospital at DaNang and safely landed. His resolute determination and superb aeronautical ability were instrumental in saving both a valuable aircraft and the lives of the remainder of his crew. Major Locke’s courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.