I guess this guy really doesn't trust co-pilots.

[raven54]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/0 ... tml?hpt=T2

[Expat]

I think that this is the stupid macho attitude of some people that eventually get a lot of innocents killed.
I would not recommend him for a medal...

[Nark]

You should be smart enough to know there is a lot more to this story that the 5 paragraphs that was written.

[raven54]

Very true Nark, I just laugh at how it is presented.

[niss]

Some people just really want that PIC time.

[Expat]

You should be smart enough to know there is a lot more to this story that the 5 paragraphs that was written.

...like how did he end up in a battle when they were going to do a news shoot?

A lot of funny stuff happens here, ... and they are good at covering it up. Remember how our guys got bombed at night, when they were out range shooting. If you have army time, you will see that this does not add up. You do not go practise shooting to a spot that is being targetted by friendly forces...
The boys next door here practise shooting...in their base...

[Nark]

I have ZERO army time.

However I do know that our wonderful NATO planners don't send CH-47's out for just "news stories". It's not to say we didn't help some reporters in way's that we saw that we needed help.



My old Air-O was the AC in a huey during the Gulf war. He picked up some folks in a hairy situation, and received pretty high honors (distinguished flying cross), where his Co-pilot got the Navy Cross. (Only the Medal of Honor is higher).

Gunfighter Diary Desert Storm 26 Feb 91
26 FEB 91
Secretary of the Navy Washington
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to Lieutenant Colonel Michael M. Kurth United States Marine Corps for services set forth in the following citation: For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 during Operation Desert Storm on 26 February 1991. As the 1st Marine Division attacked north to prevent Iraqui forces from escaping, Lieutenant Colonel Kurth's repeated acts of bravery in providing Close In Fire Support to embattled Marines helped collapse the Iraqui defenses. With visibility nearly impossible due to hundreds of burning oil field fires, and with total disregard for his own safety, he flew under and perilously close to high voltage power lines. Placing himself at grave personal risk to intermittent Iraqui ground and anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Colonel Kurth flew continuously for ten hours during the most intense periods of combat, twice having to control crash his aircraft. Employing a commercially borrowed Forward Looking Infrared Radar and LASER designator, he flew through the Al Burquan oil field fires, between the AH-1W holding pattern and task Force Ripper's forward lines, leading flight after flight of rearmed gunships to requesting units and then remaining dangerously exposed forward of friendly lines as he designated Iraqui armored vehicles for engagement. Lieutenant Colonel Kurth's courage and fearless dedication rallied fellow Marines and resulted in the destruction of as many as 70 Iraqui armored vehicles destroyed that day. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Kurth reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. For the President Secretary of the Navy

What also needs to be placed here is a Distinguished Flying Cross citation for Captain Carl "Mooch" Reynoso. Mooch was actually the Aircraft Commander on this mission. Spot jumped in last minute in the left seat where Nasty was due to fly. Spot and Mooch took their FLIR operator, Crew Chief and Gunner through the hellish conditions and prevented the 1st Marine Division CP from being overrun, among other cited acts. On the ground a LAV commander deployed a screening force during a heated tank battle and was also awarded the Navy Cross. Mooch's recommendation died on SecNavs desk in late 1991, when SecNav refused to approve any awards for Naval Aviators due to the 1991 Tailhook scandal. This made no sense at all, seeing as Mooch is one of the finest marines ever to serve, a Mustang who previously served with distinction in Force Recon. He traded boots for wings and is a natural stick, most at home in the Huey. A helo guy who never went to Tailhook. Maybe someday the award recommendation will resurface and be awarded late, due to "administrative oversight".

I couldn't agree more about Mooch being the finest Marine ever to serve.

[Cat Driver]

(Only the Medal of Honor is higher).

Where does the DFC with VD fit in Nark?

[Nark]

This link shows the award precedence:

http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/navyrib.shtml