THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

First Lieutenant Lee Michael Halstead, Served with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML-167), Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear Lt Lee Halstead,
Thank you for your service as a HMH/L/A (I) Helicopter Pilot. The war was years ago, but we all need 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.

Lee Michael Halstead

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Lee Michael Halstead (MCSN: 0-94751), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Pilot with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN (HML-167), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 August 1968, Lieutenant Halstead was Aircraft Commander aboard an armed UH-1E helicopter providing support for a UH-34 helicopter assigned to evacuate three wounded Marines from an area southwest of DaNang in Quang Nam Province. Seeking to determine the source of enemy fire, he boldly commenced a low-level pass over the friendly position and immediately came under intense hostile fire, which struck a box of ammunition in the crew's compartment. As the evacuation helicopter prepared to land, Lieutenant Halstead skillfully delivered covering fire on the hostile positions. Suddenly, the transport aircraft was damaged by enemy fire and crash-landed in hostile territory 500 meters from the friendly unit. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Halstead commenced an approach to the disabled aircraft while simultaneously expending all remaining rockets and delivering a heavy volume of machine-gun fire around the damaged helicopter. Although the evacuation aircraft was receiving intense enemy antitank rocket and small-arms fire, he fearlessly continued his gallant efforts and executed a landing beside the downed crew members. Despite the hostile fire impacting nearby, he steadfastly remained on the ground until all the survivors had boarded his aircraft and, skillfully maneuvering his dangerously overloaded helicopter through the accurate fire, sustained additional damage as he departed the hazardous area. His heroic actions and extraordinary aeronautical skill inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of five Marines. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lieutenant Halstead sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

On September 29, 1968, a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1E helicopter (#155343), VS-24A, from Marine Medium Light Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML 167), was conducting an APD (Airborne Personnel Detector), aka “Sniffer” mission, in support of ground forces when the aircraft was fired on by hostile forces, crashed, and burned. All crew members were killed in the incident. The helicopter went down approximately 10 1/2 miles southwest of Da Nang, Quang Nam Province, RVN, in an area known as "Mortar Valley," on the eastern end of Charlie Ridge. The APD missions were an extremely dangerous helicopter mission, as the aircraft was deliberately seeking the enemy at tree-top level. VS-24A reportedly overflew a concentration of enemy troops and its fuselage had been riddled by enemy fire. The lost crew included pilot 1LT Lee M. Halstead, co-pilot 1LT William A. Voss, crew chief CPL Stephen B. Pugh, gunner LCPL Terry B. Day, and crewman CPL Cecil B. Wagner Jr. [Taken from popasmoke.com]