Major Stephen W. Pless, USMC

48 years ago today, 4 American soldiers were stranded on a beach near Quang Nai, Vietnam. They were surrounded by, and being beaten by a group of near 50 Viet Cong. An emergency call had gone out and been received by a helicopter, part of the Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6), piloted by Major Stephen Pless.

Pless had been a Marine since 1956, enlisting in the reserves while still attending Georgia Military Academy. He received his commission in September of 1959. He had been promoted to First Lieutenant and designated naval aviator after once he graduated flight training school in April 1960.

He was flying an escort mission when he got the call for help that day. He responded and because of his actions taking part in the eventual rescue, was recognized with the Medal of Honor. Also that day, his crew of Rupert Fairfield, Leroy Poulson and John Phelps were each awarded the Navy Cross (making them the most highly decorated single helicopter crew during the Vietnam War.

Major Pless's citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a helicopter gunship pilot attached to Marine Observation Squadron 6 in action against enemy forces. During an escort mission Maj. Pless monitored an emergency call that 4 American soldiers stranded on a nearby beach were being overwhelmed by a large Viet Cong force. Maj. Pless flew to the scene and found 30 to 50 enemy soldiers in the open. Some of the enemy were bayoneting and beating the downed Americans. Maj. Pless displayed exceptional airmanship as he launched a devastating attack against the enemy force, killing or wounding many of the enemy and driving the remainder back into a treeline. His rocket and machinegun attacks were made at such low levels that the aircraft flew through debris created by explosions from its rockets. Seeing 1 of the wounded soldiers gesture for assistance, he maneuvered his helicopter into a position between the wounded men and the enemy, providing a shield which permitted his crew to retrieve the wounded. During the rescue the enemy directed intense fire at the helicopter and rushed the aircraft again and again, closing to within a few feet before being beaten back. When the wounded men were aboard, Maj. Pless maneuvered the helicopter out to sea. Before it became safely airborne, the overloaded aircraft settled 4 times into the water. Displaying superb airmanship, he finally got the helicopter aloft. Major Pless' extraordinary heroism coupled with his outstanding flying skill prevented the annihilation of the tiny force. His courageous actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Major Pless was also awarded, among others, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Medal, Purple Heart and 38Air Medals. He flew 780 combat missions in Vietnam and was the only naval aviator to receive the MoH.

On the day Apollo 11 landed on the moon, July 20, 1969, Pless was riding his motorcyle through Pensacola, Florida. He did not notice that the drawbridge he was on had opened (horizontal instead of vertical opening) and tragically, died when he fell from the span. For his many years of service and his heroic actions, we thank him from the bottom of our hearts. He had the kind of career that other Marines point to when they think of words like, selfless and honorable. Because of Pless, many others had a chance to come hom as well.

You will not be forgotten.