Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 49

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
Date action:18 December 1966
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight.
First Lieutenant McAlister distinguished himself by heroism in action on 18 December 1966, while leading a section of aerial rocket artillery helicopters on a medical evacuation cover mission in the Republic of Vietnam. The intended pick-up zone was surrounded by enemy automatic weapons positions, making it extremely dangerous for the medical evacuation helicopter to land. Using his own aircraft as a target for the hostile fire, Lieutenant McAlister led the medical helicopter into the area. Boldly flying into the face of the enemy, he was immediately taken under fire from three directions. His action diverted the enemy's attention, however, and the medical helicopter was able to land and board the casualties. In order to get the heavily loaded aircraft out of the pick-up zone, Lieutenant McAlister again flew low over the enemy positions, exposing himself to heavy fire. Once again the decoy maneuver was successful, and the medical helicopter was able to depart the area without sustaining casualties. Lieutenant McAlister then braved the hostile fire for a third time to engage the enemy with rocket and machine gun fire, succeeding in destroying two Of the positions. Lieutenant McAlister1s courage and determination under fire stand in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926.