Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 2 Line: 52

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
Date of action; 13 September 1968
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: On this date, Major Haley was serving as commander of an air cavalry troop, When a helicopter, later determined to be that of the Division Commander, crashed in the vicinity of Loc Ninh, he immediately led members of an aerorifle platoon in an airborne rescue operation. Major Haley was the first to arrive over the crash scene, and he had his pilot fly at a low altitude so that he could best evaluate the situation. Although his craft was subjected to hostile fire, he continued to search the dense jungle area until he had selected a landing zone 100 meters from the downed helicopter. Major Haley directed that gunships engage the enemy positions adjacent to the proposed landing zone in order to suppress the continuing hall of insurgent fire. He then instructed his pilot to maneuver at a hazardously low level while he personally directed each of the aircraft in the platoon into and out of the very confined landing zone. Within 30 minutes after receiving notification of the crash, Major Haley had his men moving toward the wreckage in an attempt to aid the crash victims. When it was reported that there were no survivors, he supervised the complete search of the area from his craft and then directed the expeditious removal of the bodies from the helicopter. The competent leadership and professional demeanor displayed by Major Haley throughout the perilous rescue attempt were major factors insuring that the most extensive efforts were made to aid the victims of the tragedy. Major Haley’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.