- Period:
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Rank:
- First Lieutenant (Lieutenant)
- Unit:
- Pilot, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing
- Awarded on:
- January 28th, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Rudolph D. Kaiser, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 January 1969, First Lieutenant Kaiser launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned a mission of inserting three groups of Marines into an area of Quang Nam Province. During his initial approach to the designated zone, he came under intensive hostile automatic weapons fire from a nearby tree line and, disregarding the enemy activity, fearlessly entered the zone and disembarked the men while simultaneously pointing out enemy placements to his gunners. Returning with a second group of Marines, he again became the target for concentrated hostile fire and, concerned only for the men on the ground to whom the reinforcements were a vital necessity, steadfastly continued the mission. During the third insertion, four rounds penetrated his helicopter, one of them injuring First Lieutenant Kaiser. Ignoring his painful wound, he resolutely maintained his dangerous exposed position until the men were disembarked, then commenced departing the area. As he lifted off, another enemy round penetrated the aircraft, severely damaging the forward transmission. Displaying outstanding airmanship, he skillfully maneuvered his crippled helicopter to the nearest secure location and executed an emergency landing. His heroic and persistent actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission. First Lieutenant Kaiser's courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Navy Aviator Wing
