|
|
 |
|
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to
LIEUTENANT JOHN A. FELDHAUS
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot attached to and serving with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO
embarked in USS ORISKANY (CVA 34) on 20 August 1966. While conducting the successful search and rescue of a downed pilot 30
miles Northwest of Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, Lieutenant Feldhaus, flight leader of a rescue combat patrol, overhearing on the
radio that a pilot was down near his general area, immediately proceeded to the reported area. Courageously and skillfully
transiting known areas of heavy enemy anti-aircraft down positions the flight arrived at the rescue scene safely.
Placing his wingman as high cover, Lieutenant Feldhaus, within three minutes, and with great expertise, narrowed down the
search area to a one mile square, established radio contact with the downed pilot, and directed by the pilot, pinpointed his
position.
Directing his wingman to depart and return with the rescue helicopter, he maintained a protective cover over the downed pilot,
staying low and courageously braving enemy ground fire in the area in order to be alert to any enemy movement toward the downed
pilot.
When the rescue helicopter arrived and attempted to approach, the downed pilot reported that he was drawing heavy ground fire
from a nearby ridge. Ordering the helicopter to hold off, Lieutenant Feldhaus heroically attacked the ridge drawing the ground
fire upon himself. Directing the helicopter to try another approach, he continued his attacks upon the ridge allowing the
helicopter to make a successful pickup of the downed pilot and withdraw from the immediate area, drawing more enemy fire as
he escorted the helicopter safely around and between enemy anti- aircraft fire.
Upon reaching the safety of the water, he learned that another crewman was down in the same general area. Heroically transiting
a now fully alert enemy anti-aircraft defense, Lieutenant Feldhaus and his wingman again entered the search area. After almost
an hour of searching the flight was directed to abandon the mission. By his heroic actions, outstanding display of airmanship,
and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Feldhaus reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the
United states Naval Service.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|