Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 32

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

For heroism while engaged in aerial flights Major Ralph H. McBride distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 January 1966, while serving as aircraft commander of a medical evacuation helicopter which was urgently called to evacuate an unknown number of seriously wounded Korean soldiers from an area which was heavily infested with Viet Cong. With full knowledge that two medical helicopters had been hit by hostile fire in the same area, Major Mc Bride proceeded to the embattled area and directed his crew into the pickup site. Because of the multi-location of patients, Major Mc Bride had to hover and fly low level from one site to another. He was under constant surveillance and received fire on four different occasions. During each pickup, the helicopter was extremely vulnerable to hostile fire from all quadrants. With resolute determination, Major Mc Bride devised split second tactical plans and techniques for approaching and departing the many landing areas under heavy fire. During the entire medical evacuation mission neither patients, nor crew or aircraft were hit by enemy fire. Major McBride's fearless dedication and heroic 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.