THE WALL OF FACES

visit the wall annually and say a prayer for you and other friends lost in VN...

Leonard R. Demko

Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Battalion: Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)
Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major Leonard R. Demko (MCSN: 0-79209), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander of a UH-34 transport helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in the Republic of Vietnam on the evening of 19 November 1967. While returning to its base after a search and rescue mission in support of a large helicopter borne assault force, Major Demko's helicopter was diverted to an emergency medical evacuation mission in support of a Marine rifle company. He arrived over the designated area and approached the landing zone. Just prior to landing, his aircraft came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire and was directed away from the site by the ground force. Orbiting over An Hoa and establishing radio contact with the Marine unit, Major Demko was informed that the wounded Marines were being moved to the landing zone. Then, after an hour, he was requested to return to the hazardous area for the evacuation. In complete darkness and guided by a single strobe light, he skillfully landed in the zone as a heavy volume of tracer fire passed just above the rotor blades of his aircraft. Embarking six wounded Marines, he lifted from the site and, effectively utilizing the terrain as cover from the hostile fire, moved beyond range of the enemy's weapons before gaining altitude for the return flight to a medical facility. His exceptional ability and determined efforts were an inspiration to all who served with him and were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission. Major Demko's courage, superb airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Dear Major Leonard Demko,
Thank you for your service as a HMH/M/L/(I) Chinook Pilot. Today is the 43rd anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the crash of helo YK-13. It makes me sad to think of how much you & the four other crew members have missed in the world since your deaths. You ALL are in my thoughts & prayers and I know you are with God in heaven. You were a brave Marine and deserve so much honor, respect, and Thanks for paying with the ultimate price...your life.
Rest in peace with the Angels. ~Aggie~

remembering the summer before your final deployment and the house you, Tom and another friend shared in Laguna... you deserved those good times and more...