Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Danny L. Radish (MCSN: 2454292), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 12 February 1970, Sergeant Radish launched as Crew Chief aboard the lead aircraft in a flight of two transport helicopters assigned the mission of medically evacuating twelve casualties from a Marine ground unit which had come under intense fire from several directions while engaged in combat in an area east of Landing Zone ROSS. While en route, he was informed by his pilot that the zone was still under a heavy volume of fire from North Vietnamese Army soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements. Nevertheless, as the aircraft commander commenced his approach to the landing site, Sergeant Radish assumed a dangerously exposed position at the open door of the helicopter and provided direct commentary which enabled the pilot to avoid obstacles and to make a safe landing between the Marines and the hostile soldiers. Determined to expedite the evacuation of the critical casualties, he boldly left the relative security of the aircraft and rushed across the fire-swept terrain to where the wounded men lay. Remaining dangerously exposed to the enemy fire raking the area to assist the Corpsman rendering first aid, he then fearlessly helped carry a stretcher to the helicopter. Although accurate sniper fire wounded one of the casualties a second time, Sergeant Radish, seemingly oblivious to the hostile rounds impacting around him, valiantly traversed the hazardous area on four additional occasions to carry casualties to the aircraft. When all were safely aboard, he again unhesitatingly leaned from the open door to guide the pilot from the hazardous zone. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Sergeant Radish was instrumental in completing an extremely dangerous mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Action Date:

    November 15, 1982

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Gunnery Sergeant Danny L. Radish (MCSN: 2454292), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving as Crew Chief aboard a CH-46E helicopter on the morning of 15 November 1982. Gunnery Sergeant Radish displayed valor, professional competence, and a high degree of unselfishness in his actions during and after the uncontrollable crash of his aircraft shortly after take-off. Faced with a highly explosive environment created by the presence of extremely volatile aviation fuel spilling from a ruptured fuel tank, electrical power, and hot engines, Gunnery Sergeant Radish exhibited great presence of mind and remained in the aircraft to ensure engines and battery were secured, thus reducing the possibility of explosion. He displayed uncommon courage by remaining in this life threatening environment to render aid to a trapped pilot. Despite the explosion potential and the saturation of his flight suit with fuel, Gunner Sergeant Radish persisted until the pilot was released from the aircraft and clear of the life-threatening situation. By his courageous actions during and after the accident in the face of personal risk, Gunnery Sergeant Radish saved the life of the pilot; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.