The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph P. Donovan (MCSN: 0-101008), 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 28 April 1969, First Lieutenant Donovan launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the mission of inserting a reconnaissance team into enemy-controlled territory approximately twenty miles southwest of Da Nang in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the objective, he initiated a high-speed approach to the zone and, encountering intense hostile fire, used evasive maneuvers to climb to a safe altitude. Selecting an alternate point of debarkation, First Lieutenant Donovan skillfully approached the designated area and, directing his aerial gunners to deliver suppressive fire at suspected hostile positions, successfully landed the aircraft. When the helicopter ramp was lowered, the aircraft came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a large and well-concealed North Vietnamese Army force. After leaving the hazardous area, First Lieutenant Donovan was subsequently informed that two Marines had left the helicopter during the fire fight and were heavily engaged in combat with the enemy. Reacting instantly and with complete disregard for his own safety, he fearlessly re-entered the fire-swept zone and, undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting near him, resolutely maintained his exposed position while the Marines boarded the aircraft. After departing the dangerous area, he transported the team to a more advantageous location. His bold initiative and superb airmanship inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the vital mission. First Lieutenant Donovan’s courage, superior aeronautical ability and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph P. Donovan (MCSN: 0-101008), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving 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 17 March 1969, First Lieutenant Donovan launched as Pilot of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of nine Marines from an area near Marble Mountain in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the friendly unit’s position, he was informed UH-1E helicopter gunships were needed to suppress the enemy fire. After the supporting gunships arrived and attacked the suspected enemy positions around the landing zone, First Lieutenant Donovan commenced his approach and encountered an intense volume of hostile fire. Skillfully directing the fire of his crew upon the enemy positions, he was instrumental in suppressing the hostile fire and subsequently successfully landed the aircraft. Moments later, the landing zone came under a heavy volume of mortar fire and First Lieutenant Donovan was forced to depart. Continuing to direct the suppressive fire of his crew after the gunships conducted additional strafing runs to the intense hostile fire, he landed his helicopter and, although dangerously exposed to the intense hostile fire, resolutely maintained his position until the casualties were embarked before departing the area. His bold initiative and superb airmanship inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission. First Lieutenant Donovan’s courage, superior aeronautical ability and steadfast 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.