Eugene R. Brady

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Eugene R. Brady (0-51664), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 15 May 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Brady launched as Aircraft Commander of a transport helicopter assigned the mission of medically evacuating several seriously wounded Marines from an area northwest of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated location, he was advised by the ground commander that the vastly outnumbered unit was surrounded by the enemy, some as close as thirty meters to the Marines’ positions. Fully aware of the dangers involved, and despite rapidly approaching darkness and deteriorating weather conditions, Lieutenant Colonel Brady elected to complete his mission. As he commenced a high-speed, low-altitude approach to the confined zone, he came under a heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire which damaged his aircraft but did not deter him from landing. During the considerable period of time required to embark the casualties, the landing zone was subjected to intense enemy mortar fire, several rounds of which landed perilously close to the transport, rendering additional damage to the helicopter. However, Lieutenant Colonel Brady displayed exceptional composure as he calmly relayed hostile firing positions to fixed-wing aircraft overhead and steadfastly remained in his dangerously exposed position until all the wounded men were safely aboard. Demonstrating superb airmanship, he then executed a series of evasive maneuvers as he lifted from the fire-swept zone, and subsequently delivered the casualties to the nearest medical facility. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of eight fellow Marines. By his courage, superior aeronautical ability, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Brady upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Eugene R. Brady (0-51664), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in conjunction with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Brady launched as Aircraft Commander aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned the emergency medical evacuation of seven casualties from a Marine position 5,000 meters north of An Hoa. Undaunted by the extremely heavy volume of hostile small arms, automatic weapons, and machine gun fire directed against his aircraft, he skillfully maneuvered to a landing in the fire-swept area and resolutely remained in a dangerously exposed position until all the wounded Marines were embarked. When his helicopter sustained serious battle damage, rupturing the fuel lines and rendering most of the aircraft’s systems inoperable, Lieutenant Colonel Brady skillfully maneuvered his crippled CH-46 to an emergency landing 250 meters from the perimeter he had just left. Directing the immediate disembarkation of the casualties from the fuel saturated cabin, he established a tight defensive perimeter and completely disregarding his own safety while moving to each Marine’s position to encourage them, check injuries, and ensure maximum fire was being delivered against the enemy. When one of the injured Marines sprang from the perimeter and ran toward his company’s position, he collapsed. Oblivious to the enemy rounds impacting near him, Lieutenant Colonel Brady fearlessly dashed to the side of the wounded man and carried him back to a covered position. By his inspiring courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lieutenant Colonel Brady reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval service.