The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Joseph E. Underwood, III, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 April 1967, Captain Underwood launched as Copilot on an emergency medical evacuation mission to a zone approximately seven miles south of DaNang where a Marine ground force was under enemy fire. The confined landing zone, surrounded by tall trees, necessitated a vertical approach. The landing required the combined skill of him and his pilot and was accomplished without incident. While waiting for the casualty to be embarked, the helicopter came under heavy enemy fire from several undetermined positions wounding the pilot in the neck. Unhesitatingly, Captain Underwood assumed control of the helicopter and when the evacuee had been placed aboard the aircraft, skillfully departed the hazardous zone. Displaying exceptional aeronautical ability, he maneuvered his aircraft to evade the enemy fire during his ascent and subsequent departure from the area. After completing the mission,, Captain Underwood revealed that he had suffered a leg wound from fragments of the aircraft’s shattered wind screen. Disregarding his painful wound, he courageously completed an additional medical evacuation mission before accepting medical attention. Captain Underwood’s dauntless courage, superior airmanship and selfless devotion to duty under the most hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.