The  President of   the  United  States  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                                "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while  serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen,  First Marine Aircraft Wing  in connection  with combat operations against  the enemy in  the Republic of Vietnam.  On  the evening of 2 February 1969, First Lieutenant Nequette  launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport  helicopter assigned an emergency medical  evacuation near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province.  Arriving over  the designated area, he orbited the zone  while an  escorting  gun ship strafed  the  enemy positions  to suppress  the hostile fire.   Commencing his approach,  Fist Lieutenant Nequette was forced to abort his  first attempt to land.   Aware  that two of  the evacuees were in critical condition,  he fearlessly made a second approach,  and despite  the heavy enemy fire,  darkness,  and adverse weather conditions, successfully entered the landing zone without illumination and extracted five wounded Marines.  First Lieutenant Nequette's  courage,  superb  aeronautical  ability  and  unwavering  devotion to duty  in  the  face  of  great  personal  danger  were  in  keeping  with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."