The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Eugene R. Brady (MCSN: 0-51664), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 19 October 1968 to 25 October 1969. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Brady performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Operations Officer of Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, he ably directed and coordinated the many facets of operational planning and was instrumental in the consistently high level of air support provided to assigned units. In addition, he conducted extensive research on the tactical employment of helicopters and developed and implemented innovations which greatly enhanced the response capability of the helicopter squadrons and ensured the most effective employment of available assets. Assuming command of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364) on 3 February 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Brady molded his pilots and crewmen into a strongly motivated, well-coordinated force and displayed exceptional initiative and sound judgment in planning and directing the execution of aerial missions. Under his dynamic leadership, his squadron completed hundreds of tactical deployments and medical evacuations with maximum safety and expeditiously delivered tons of cargo to ground units located in remote areas. Reassigned as Assistant Wing Operations Officer on 23 August, Lieutenant Colonel Brady solved several complex problems involving helicopter operations and provided sound recommendations in planning air support missions in line with the changing concept of tactical operations. His extraordinary initiative and resolute determination earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his leadership, professional acumen, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Brady rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Brady is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)Regiment:
Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
February 26, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Eugene R. Brady (MCSN: 0-51664), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in conjunction with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Brady launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of seven casualties from a Marine position 5,000 meters north of An Hoa. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of hostile small arms, automatic weapons, and machine gun fire directed against his aircraft, he skillfully maneuvered to a landing in the fire-swept area and resolutely remained in a dangerously exposed position until all the wounded Marines were embarked. When his helicopter sustained serious battle damage, rupturing the fuel lines and rendering most of the aircraft’s systems inoperable, Lieutenant Colonel Brady skillfully maneuvered his crippled CH-46 to an emergency landing 250 meters from the perimeter he had just left. Directing the immediate disembarkation of the casualties from the fuel saturated cabin, he established a tight defensive perimeter and completely disregarding his own safety while moving to each Marine’s position to encourage them, check injuries, and ensure maximum fire was being delivered against the enemy. When one of the injured Marines sprang from the perimeter and ran toward his company’s position, he collapsed. Oblivious to the enemy rounds impacting near him, Lieutenant Colonel Brady fearlessly dashed to the side of the wounded man and carried him back to a covered position. By his inspiring courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Brady reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)Regiment:
Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
May 15, 1969
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and MedalsThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Eugene R. Brady (MCSN: 0-51664), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of 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 15 May 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Brady launched as Aircraft Commander of a transport helicopter assigned the mission of medically evacuating several seriously wounded Marines from an area northwest of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated location, he was advised by the ground commander that the vastly outnumbered unit was surrounded by the enemy, some as close as thirty meters to the Marines’ positions. Fully aware of the dangers involved, and despite rapidly approaching darkness and deteriorating weather conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Brady elected to complete his mission. As he commenced a high-speed, low-altitude approach to the confined zone, he came under a heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire which damaged his aircraft but did not deter him from landing. During the considerable period of time required to embark the casualties, the landing zone was subjected to intense enemy mortar fire, several rounds of which landed perilously close to the transport, rendering additional damage to the helicopter. However, Lieutenant Colonel Brady displayed exceptional composure as he calmly relayed hostile firing positions to fixed-wing aircraft overhead and steadfastly remained in his dangerously exposed position until all the wounded men were safely aboard. Demonstrating superb airmanship, he then executed a series of evasive maneuvers as he lifted from the fire-swept zone, and subsequently delivered the casualties to the nearest medical facility. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of eight fellow Marines. By his courage, superior aeronautical ability, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Brady upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.