Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 2 Line: 3

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

DFC Citation
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 1 February 1968, Captain ARISS launched as Aircraft Commander of the second CH-46 transport helicopter in a flight of two aircraft assigned the mission of inserting reconnaissance teams in an area approximately nine miles southwest of DaNang in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he began orbiting the zone as the pilot of the lead helicopter began his approach to the landing zone. As the first aircraft neared the ground, it came under intense enemy fire and, despite evasive maneuvers by the pilot, was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade which exploded on impact. The rear of the helicopter burst into flames but the pilot managed to land the severely damaged aircraft in a clearing adjacent to the landing zone. Observing survivors moving away from the burning aircraft to a nearby hill, Captain ARISS unhesitatingly maneuvered his helicopter into the tree-surrounded zone and, disregarding the extremely intense enemy fire directed at his aircraft, landed near the besieged Marines. Displaying dauntless courage and uncommon concern for his fellow Marines, Captain ARISS remained in the fire-swept zone ignoring the intense fire directed against him, until all of the survivors were aboard his aircraft. Lifting out of the zone, he exhibited superb airmanship as he executed a low-level, high-speed departure from the hazardous area through heavy hostile fire. Due to his prompt and fearless actions, he undoubtedly saved the lives of thirteen Marines. Captain ARISS's bold initiative, exceptional aeronautical skill and unwavering 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."
Silver Star Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 February 1968. Captain Ariss was launched as Section Leader of a flight of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned a troop transport mission in support of the Americal Division. While proceeding toward the designated landing zone, southwest of Danang, he was monitoring his aircraft’s radio and learned that a Combined Action Platoon was under attack by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force two miles south of Danang and had nearly expended its supply of ammunition. Rapidly establishing radio contact with armed helicopters supporting the beleaguered platoon, Captain Ariss unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt an emergency extraction of the unit. After delivering the Americal Division soldiers to their assigned area, he proceeded to the Combined Action Platoon's location and orbited his helicopter overhead while fixed-wing aircraft executed their last bomb run. Captain Ariss immediately came under intense enemy antiaircraft fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he skillfully maneuvered his helicopter through the hostile fire while simultaneously pinpointing the location of the enemy weapons for the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne), Landing in the unit's compound, he calmly waited in the fire-swept zone while 25 Marines and Popular Forces soldiers embarked aboard his aircraft. Lifting from the hazardous area, he delivered the wounded men to a medical facility and returned to his base with the remaining passengers. His exceptional aeronautical ability and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing the friendly unit from being overrun. By his courage, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Captain Ariss upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.