Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross


 
Republic of Vietnam
Ministry of Defense
Awards and Decorations Division

OFFICIAL ORDER #73/TTL

The Commander in Chief Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces

Considering Decree #144/SL/CT dated 12 May 1964 prescribing the authority to award all medals,

MERITORIOUSLY CITES BEFORE THE DIVISION

RICHARD P. BLAND - First Lieutenant - U. S. Marine Corps
(Formalized as of 13 June 1964)

"A brilliant  pilot  possessing  broad battlefield  experience. 

Although  encountering  many  dangerous  mountain  jungles and  poor  weather  during  Quyet-Thang  202 operation,  from 27 April  to 28 May 1964 at  the Viet Cong's Do-Xa  secret base,  he completed  his heliborne flights perfectly,  and in this manner assisted units to descend rapidly on  the  designated objective,  thus keeping  the enemy from reacting in time  and  finding a route of escape."

This commendation is to include the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star

Lieutenant General NGUYEN-KHANH
/signed and sealed/
Commander in Chief
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces

I Certify that this is a true translation
/s/ E. P. Spitzner
E. P. SPITZNER, LTJG, USNR
Translation Group Officer, HEDSUPPACT, Saigon

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