The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Marion Lee Mark (ASN: W-3154644), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 176th Aviation Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Warrant Officer Mark distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 October 1967 as pilot of a utility helicopter supporting ground operations near Chu Lai. An airborne infantry company conducting search and clear operations was heavily engaged by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force firing automatic weapons from well-concealed and fortified positions. The friendly force expended much of its ammunition and requested immediate re-supply. Aware that intense enemy anti-aircraft fire had destroyed five helicopters and prevented gunship support, Warrant Officer Mark volunteered to attempt the mission. Devastating machine gun and automatic weapons fire raked his ship as he reached the area, but he refused to terminate his flight. As he flew low over the friendly force, the enemy launched a withering mortar barrage to prevent his landing. Disregarding his personal safety, he hovered ten feet above the ground while his crew pushed the vital ammunition out to the waiting ground forces. Machine gun fire shattered both of his legs and forced him to crash land. Despite his severe wounds, he skillfully controlled the crippled ship and brought it to the ground. With bullets striking all around him, he shut down all electrical systems to prevent an explosion and then moved to safety. His fearless actions in the heat of battle prevented his fellow soldiers from being overrun and annihilated by the determined enemy. Warrant Officer Mark’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.