Bio: Neuman, Larry – Distinguished Flying Cross (1970)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Neuman

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 25 Jun 1970

Larry Neuman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Duane Neuman, route 1, Unity (Clark Co., Wis.), has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions instrumental in saving the lives of eight Marines in Vietnam. He was then Lance Corporal.

Now stationed at Memphis, Tennessee, he has held the rand of Sergeant since June 1, 1970. His is liaison non-commissioned officer in the training center's aviation machinists' mate school.

Sgt. Neeuman is a graduate of Colby High School and had two semesters at North Central Technical Institute at Wausau before joining the Marines three years ago.

At the time of the action, Neuman was serving as crew chief aboard a transport helicopter involved in a mission evacuating several seriously wounded Marines pinned down by the North Vietnames soldiers in an area northwest of An Hoa.

Although vastly outnumber on the ground, the aircraft commander determined to complete his mission of evacuating the Marine unit which was completed surrounded by enemy soldiers.

To aid the pilot in avoiding obstacles while landing, Cpl. Neuman leaned from the open hatch of the helicopter with complete disregard for fire directed at it and his directive enable the pilot to make a successful landing.

Neuman then left the craft to carry casualties aboard, on one occasion being stunned by the concussion of an impact.

He was presented the medal exactly one year from the date of the action, May 25. During the ceremony he was also awarded the Air Medal for achievements during emergency evacuations near DaNang on October 5.