Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM-263)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    September 17, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Bertram William McCauley (MCSN: 0-58997), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-263), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early in the afternoon of 17 September 1966, Major McCauley led a flight of four helicopters on an emergency re-supply mission in support of elements of the First Battalion, Fourth Marines. Two companies of the First Battalion were surrounded by an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Army forces in the vicinity of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province. Earlier on the same day, seven helicopters had been severely damaged in attempts to re-supply the besieged units. Briefed on the desperate situation, and aware of the danger involved, Major McCauley immediately had his aircraft loaded with ammunition, water, and rations and launched to the vicinity of the trapped Marines. Arriving over the area, he found that the two companies were under heavy enemy fire from all directions and in critical need of ammunition. Assessing the situation, Major McCauley assumed control of supporting arms in the area and coolly and efficiently coordinated artillery fire and close air support in an effort to clear an approach lane to the drop zone for his helicopter. Realizing that continued supporting fire could not improve the situation, and aware of the necessity of the re-supply, he began his approach to the landing zone. Immediately, he became the focal point of intense enemy automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he landed in the zone under a heavy volume of enemy fire, successfully off-loaded his cargo, picked up six medical evacuees, and departed. Although his aircraft had suffered extensive damage on his approach, landing and lift off, Major McCauley continued to orbit the area and directed his wingman into the zone. Sustaining severe damage to his aircraft, his wingman was forced down by concentrated enemy fire. Assured that the crew of the downed helicopter was safe, Major McCauley led the remainder of his Section back to Dong Ha. Exhibiting outstanding courage and uncommon devotion to duty, he unhesitatingly obtained a replacement aircraft, selected two crews from among volunteers, and led a second flight, of two aircraft, loaded with critical supplies to the besieged Marine units. Realizing the hazards involved in landing in the confined zone containing the downed aircraft, Major McCauley planned to make a low pass over the zone and drop the supplies to the Marine units. En route, however, he was advised by the Forward Air Controller that there were three critically wounded Marines in the zone requiring immediate evacuation and that the landing zone had been enlarged to accommodate another aircraft. Despite the dangers involved, Major McCauley daringly commenced an extremely low approach in the face of withering enemy automatic weapons fire. Displaying superb airmanship, he maneuvered his aircraft into the zone and dropped the supplies from a hovering position. He then landed, retrieved the wounded Marines and the two crew members of the downed aircraft, and departed the zone. Although his helicopter was heavily damaged by repeated hits, Major McCauley successfully piloted his aircraft through the intense fire and returned the wounded to the medical facility at Dong Ha. His exceptional aeronautical skill and bold initiative contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and saved the lives of numerous Marines. By his extraordinary courage, determination, and selfless devotion to duty, Major McCauley upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM-263)

    Regiment:

    Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    September 5, 1966

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Bertram William McCauley (MCSN: 0-58997), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as an Aircraft Commander with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE (HMM-263), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, First Marine Air Wing, during an emergency medical evacuation mission in the vicinity of Phu Tay, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 September 1966. Disregarding the hail of automatic weapons fire from the enemy and the fact that he was unable to return the fire because of the proximity of friendly and Viet Cong forces in the area, Major McCauley was successful on two occasions in evacuating the critically wounded although his aircraft was so severely damaged that it was rendered unsafe for a return trip. To continue his mission, he obtained another helicopter. During his attempt to rescue more disabled Marines, the aircraft was damaged by an enemy hand grenade in the landing zone. He then elected to wave off and orbit until the Viet Cong fire could be neutralized. After being advised to lift off and depart, Major McCauley resolutely remained until the most critically wounded were loaded in his severely damaged and overloaded helicopter and proceeded to the nearest medical facility. Aware that approaching darkness would preclude a return trip before morning and that his aircraft was too badly crippled to risk a return trip, he volunteered to lead an additional section of aircraft into the rescue position. Through his skillful direction the remainder of the casualties were removed to safety. By his outstanding courage, superb leadership and selfless efforts in behalf of wounded men, Major McCauley upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.