Mark M. Feinberg
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 965 (March 20, 1971)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Mark M. Feinberg, Warrant Officer (W-1), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 170th Aviation Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Warrant Officer Feinberg distinguished himself while piloting a helicopter troop carrier during a rescue operation in the vicinity of Dak To. After monitoring an urgent request for evacuation of a five-man reconnaissance team engaged in heavy enemy contact, Warrant Officer Feinberg and his crew sped to the embattled area. The entire site was enveloped by triple canopy jungle vegetation with no suitable landing zone. As Mister Feinberg’s helicopter approached the location of the besieged patrol it encountered intense enemy resistance. Mister Feinberg descended his helicopter until it hovered just above the trees, then lowered ropes for the ground troops. Although the enemy was now concentrating B-40 rockets and machine gun fire at his aircraft, Mister Feinberg chose to remain in this vulnerable position until the men could reach the ropes. Suddenly, an enemy round struck the transmission of the aircraft and necessitated a quick departure with the ground troops dangling from the ropes. Maintaining control of his crippled aircraft, Mister Feinberg guided his airship out of the firing area and flew to the nearest available clearing. After lowering the men to the ground, he successfully landed his damaged craft. Shortly thereafter, an extraction helicopter arrived and rescued the crew members and the survivors of the besieged patrol. Warrant Officer W1 Feinberg’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 965 (March 20, 1971)
