Kennith Wayne Wheeler
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

Silver Star & Distinguished Flying Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Kenneth W. Wheeler (MCSN: 2303494), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Crew Chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 May 1969. Corporal Wheeler launched aboard the second aircraft in the fourth section of a flight of eight CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to support the First Battalion, Ninth Marines during an assault landing into Landing Zone ERSKINE in Quang Tri Province. After disembarking the initial load of Marines and returning to the area with a second element of the assault force, Corporal Wheeler's aircraft came under intense hostile fire and crashed a few feet from the landing zone. When the helicopter slid off the crest of the hill and rolled over, a fire ignited in the rear of the aircraft near the fuel tanks. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Wheeler, after helping a crew member through a window immediately proceeded to the rear of the helicopter and, with the aid of one of his aerial gunners, commenced assisting the twelve Marines out of the aircraft through the rear hatch. After six men were outside the helicopter, a series of secondary explosions completely destroyed the aircraft, mortally injuring Corporal Wheeler and the other Marines inside. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of six Marines who were trapped inside the helicopter. By his courage, sincere concern for his fellowmen and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Wheeler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Kenneth W. Wheeler (MCSN: 2303494), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States. On 1 May 1969, Corporal Wheeler launched as the Crew Chief aboard a CH-46 transport helicopter on an emergency evacuation mission in support of a Marine unit engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force in the vicinity of the Vandegrift Combat Base. Upon arriving over the hostile area, he quickly located the small landing zone in a deep gully and assisted in guiding the helicopter into the confined area. Unable to execute a hoist evacuation because of intense enemy fire, his pilot lifted out of the zone and orbited while gunships attacked the hostile position. When his aircraft reentered the zone, Corporal Wheeler disregarded his own safety as he commenced hoist operations. Although his helicopter came under intense enemy fire on four separate occasions from hostile emplacements only 200 meters away, he calmly remained in his exposed position for thirty minutes and assisted in embarking thirteen wounded Marines. His courage and unflagging determination inspired all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. Corporal Wheeler's bold initiative, superb professionalism and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.