Photo By Sgt. Melissa Lee | The guests of honor, Thomas “T. Boone” Pickens, middle, and wife, Madeliene...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO – In honor of 100 years of Marine Corps flight, the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation hosted a banquet to recognize aviators from every generation at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego, June 9.
The foundation honored those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism.
Marines recognized each had a significant impact on Marine Corps aviation and helped it progress into what it is today.
Every Marine aviator received recognition for their services and a plaque to honor their legacy.
Two of the aviators recognized were retired Brig. Gen. Frederick “Fritz” Payne, the oldest living fighter pilot, and Patrick Donavon, a Marine first lieutenant and a two-time Navy Cross recipient.
Payne earned his Navy Cross by showing exceptional valor during World War II when he continuously fought Japanese fighters over Guadalcanal. Against the odds, he shot down six Japanese bombers while patrolling hostile territory disregarding his own personal safety.
Donavon earned the Navy Cross when his CH-46 helicopter experienced mechanical difficulties during a medical evacuation, Feb. 22, 1969.
Donavon returned to base to retrieve a new helicopter when he noticed an enemy rocket launcher. He dispatched his unit’s gunship to take out the enemy, leaving the rest of his unit to carry out their mission without gunship protection.
Donavon took attacks from hostile grenades and mortars and brought his fellow Marines to the nearest medical center despite his own injuries and his helicopter’s damages. He then returned to hostile territory to evacuate casualties.
Donavon earned a gold star in lieu of a second Navy Cross while serving in Vietnam in April of 1969 while flying a medical evacuation of Marine casualties in a rice paddy when his outfit fell under heavy machine gun fire.
Although the forward section of his unit was hit, he continued through his mission and took the casualties to a hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam. After assessing his damages, he determined he could not fly the same helicopter and switched to an able one to aid in the mission.
This switch enabled him to provide protection for the last helicopter, resulting in the safety of the casualties inside.
Also recognized during the banquet was Sasha Lightfoot. She was presented the Glenn Ferguson Marine Wife Recognition Award for exceptional support to her husband and his unit.
The Centennial of Marine Corps aviation was celebrated to remember and recognize those who have impacted the Corps. It also served as a reminder to new pilots to continue the legacy of those who sacrificed and uphold the highest standards
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.12.2012 16:02 |
| Story ID: | 89843 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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