Service number 075660

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS posthumously to CAPTAIN WESLEY R. PHENEGAR, JR. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an A4E jet aircraft while attached to Head- quarters and Maintenance Squadron 12 and flying with Marine Attack Squadron 223 in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 13 August 1967, Captain Phenegar was scrambled from the ?Hot Pad? as the leader of a two-plane flight with the assigned mission of providing emergency close air support for embattled Marines twenty miles northwest of Chu Lai. Approximately five minutes after becoming air- borne, Captain Phenegar notified his wingman that he had developed engine problems and would be returning to Chu Lai. Immediately turning for home, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into position for a low altitude precautionary approach. While approximately five miles from the field, however, Captain Phenegar notified Chu Lai tower that his engine had failed completely and that he was planning to eject. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he unhesitatingly directed his aircraft away from the congested Chu Lai airfield complex, all the while losing precious altitude at an alarming rate. Attempting unsuccessfully to eject, he was immediately aware of the severity of his situation. Committed now to a barely controllable forced ?dead stick? landing, and realizing full well the hazard his combat loaded aircraft presented to the inhabitants of Sam Hai Hamlet which lay directly in his path, Captain Phenegar, exhibiting outstanding heroism and iron determination, maneuvered his disabled aircraft away from the populated area scant seconds before impact, saving countless innocent lives. Captain Phenegar?s dauntless courage, expert aeronautical skill, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. For the President, Paul R. Ignatius Secretary of the Navy

Phenegar, Wesley Robert, Jr., Capt