The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Callis C. Gooding (NSN: 5082419), United States Navy, for heroic conduct as crewman of a helicopter which crashed 22 April 1956 while engaged in searching for a downed aircraft in the vicinity of Pine Mountain, Ventura, California. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Gooding was thrown clear of the helicopter by the initial impact when the craft went out of control and crashed to the ground from an altitude of approximately 30 feet, and began burning near the tail section. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Gooding, although injured, immediately proceeded to the crashed helicopter and succeeded in removing the two remaining occupants, one of whom was unconscious, moments before the helicopter exploded in a shower of flaming wreckage. Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Gooding promptly and courageously risked his own life to save the lives of others.
Sponsored by:
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Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Navy Cross
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second ClassAction Date:
April 22, 1956
All Hands (February 1961) -
Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third ClassBatallion:
Helicopter Utility Squadron 1 (HU-1), Unit 14Division:
H.M.A.S. SydneyAction Date:
October 26, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Callis C. Gooding (NSN: 5082419), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as crewman of a helicopter in Helicopter Squadron ONE (HU-1), Unit FOURTEEN, attached to H.M.A.S. Sydney, during the rescue of two downed airmen behind enemy lines near Sariwon, Korea, on 26 October 1951. Despite grave hazards presented by the limited flying range of the rescue helicopter, approaching darkness, and the certainty of capture or possible death if the mission failed, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Gooding voluntarily accompanied the helicopter pilot deep into enemy-held territory to assist in the rescue. Approaching the objective in the face of intense, hostile anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Gooding provided effective cover and fire support with a submachine gun, accounting for two enemy casualties during the period in which the helicopter landed, picked up the two airmen and departed to the safety of Kimpo airfield eighty miles away. By his great personal courage and inspiring devotion to duty, Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class Gooding contributed in large measure to the successful rescue of the downed airman. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.