The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
The NAVY CROSS to
Major Bertram V. McCauley , United States Marine Corps
For service as set forth in the following
CITATION

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Bertram W. McCauley (0-58997), Major, U.S. 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.

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