THE WALL OF FACES

Captain Curtis Richard Bohlscheid, Served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265), Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Curtis Richard Bohlscheid

DATE OF BIRTH: December 9, 1936

HOME OF RECORD:
Pocatello, Idaho


Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Curtis Richard Bohlscheid, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander attached to and serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265) in Vietnam on 21 and 22 April 1967. Captain Bohlscheid flew in an emergency night troop lift of two Marine companies to reinforce the positions at Nui Loc Som, which had been under heavy enemy attack all afternoon. The flight was conducted against heavy enemy automatic weapons fire and under adverse weather conditions, which forced the helicopters down into close range of the enemy guns. Exercising skillful judgment, iron determination and displaying superior aeronautical skill, Captain Bohlscheid maneuvered his aircraft to a safe landing inside the landing zone, marked by only three flashlights. On his second approach into the landing zone his aircraft was hit several times by enemy fire and severely damaged, forcing him to wave off his approach and return to base. With one Marine company in place, the mission was postponed until the weather improved. When the decision was made to continue, he unhesitatingly volunteered to complete the mission. Captain Bohlscheid subsequently made three trips into the landing zone, under enemy fire, completing the mission on 23 April 1967. His courageous and selfless actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Curtis Richard Bohlscheid

DATE OF BIRTH: December 9, 1936

HOME OF RECORD:
Pocatello, Idaho


Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Curtis Richard Bohlscheid, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander attached to and serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-265) in Vietnam on 29 May 1967. Captain Bohlscheid launched as a Pilot of a CH-46A helicopter to attempt an emergency re-supply and medical evacuation for a company of United States Marines, previously engaged in a heavy fire fight with enemy forces for four hours. The mission was complicated by the small size of the landing zone located on a steeply sloping ridge, With complete disregard for the enemy fire directed at him, Captain Bohlscheid commenced his approach, guided only by a red lensed flashlight in the zone. Skillfully hovering his aircraft in the small zone, he dropped the much needed supplies to the ground, then calmly placed the rear wheels of his aircraft on the ground and remained in a partial hover with his rotor blades inches away from the trees and sloping terrain, while twelve wounded Marines were loaded aboard. When the wounded were safely aboard, Captain Bohlscheid skillfully flew his aircraft out of the zone and returned to medical aid. His heroic actions in accomplishing his mission under adverse conditions undoubtedly saved several lives. Captain Bohlscheid's exceptional courage, superior airmanship and inspiring devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

DEAR CAPTAIN BOHLSCHEID,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A HELICOPTER PILOT, HMH/M/L/A (I). SEMPER FI. YOU ARE STILL MIA.
PLEASE COME HOME.
IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. IT IS EASTER WEEK, AND PASSOVER - GOD'S BLESSINGS ON YOU.

Dear Captain Curtis Richard Bohlscheid, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter