David Petteys: A hero of “Marine Helo” - VAntage Point

David Manville Petteys is a Veteran who served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Division during the Vietnam War. He has been on non-active duty for 53 years.
On June 30, 1967, Petteys was on a mission to rescue survivors and secure the crash site of a downed CH-46A helicopter. Because of the dense jungle and rugged terrain, Petteys, launching aboard another CH-46A helicopter as flight leader of nine aircraft, was forced to debark from the site. Realizing it would take over an hour for the Marine to reach the downed helicopter, Petteys volunteered to extract the survivors. This action risked the exposure of his own aircraft to the enemy located about 150 meters from the extraction point. Petteys maintained steadily above the zone for more than 30 minutes until all seven survivors were successfully saved and assisted aboard his helicopter. Just when he attempted to leave the site, his aircraft was attacked by the enemy. However, Petteys skillfully flew his aircraft through the intense fire and safely departed the area. For his exemplary initiative and courage demonstrated in this rescue mission, Petteys was awarded a Silver Star.

MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. Thanks for this great share Major.