Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 57

Wall of Honor Level:
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Captain Joseph R. Martin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions on 25 May 1971.

Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade
APO San Francisco 96384
General Orders Number 6766
13 October 1971
TC 439. The following award is announced.
Martin, Joseph R. CPT 191st AHC (WDUXAA) APO 96215 SC

AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

"For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty:

Captain Martin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a lift helicopter during an escort mission. Captain Martin encountered heavy automation weapons fire near Thoi Binh. In spite of adverse weather conditions and lack of navigational aids, Captain Martin chose to continue the mission at a low level. En route, Captain Martin's co-pilot was critically wounded in the chest, only retaining consciousness long enough to secure his shoulder harness. Although wounded himself, Captain Martin remained calm, executing low level evasive maneuvers expertly and making all the necessary emergency calls directing gunships to the area in which he was soon forced to land. Captain Martin then supervised the care of the wounded. He remained with the aircraft, exposed to enemy observation and directed the medical evacuation of all his passengers and remained with his ship until it was recovered.

Captain Martin's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."

Captain Martin left active duty in March of 1972 after five years and one month of duty. Besides the Distinguished Flying Cross, he was also awarded the Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, 2 Bronze Stars, 22 Air Medals, The Army Commendation Medal, and many awards for service. Additionally, he was also awarded senior aviator wings and earned the Expert Field Medic badge.

Mr. Martin currently resides in Naples Florida and he has five grown children, Joe Jr., Jennifer, Patrick, Kathleen, and Mariah. Mr. Martin retired from Fairchild Semicondcutor Corporation in 2006 as Co-Chairman, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Martin currently is a member of four corporate boards as well as a trustee at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he was awarded and Hon.Ph.D in 2018.