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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine Major Stephen W. Pless.
Medal of Honor
Episode 2973 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Major Stephen W. Pless. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.
Major Stephen W. Pless, a United States Marine Corps officer, displayed extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, earning the prestigious Medal of Honor. On August 19, 1967, then-Captain Pless was piloting a UH-1E Huey gunship with Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6) when he and his crew responded to a distress call near Quang Ngai Province.
Pless and his team encountered a harrowing scene—four American soldiers surrounded by a superior force of Viet Cong on a beach, facing imminent death. Demonstrating unparalleled courage and determination, he executed repeated low-altitude, high-risk attack runs, using his aircraft’s rockets and machine guns to suppress enemy fire. As his crew provided cover, Pless skillfully landed amid the chaos, personally pulling the wounded soldiers aboard under intense enemy gunfire.
Despite taking heavy fire and with his helicopter severely damaged, Pless performed a masterful takeoff, saving the American troops and his crew from certain death. For his selfless bravery and unwavering leadership, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the only Marine aviator to receive the nation’s highest military decoration for heroism during the Vietnam War.
Pless later achieved the rank of Major, continuing his service until his untimely death in 1969. His legacy as a courageous Marine pilot and a Vietnam War hero remains an inspiration to all who serve. His name is etched in the annals of Marine Corps history as a testament to bravery, sacrifice, and duty.
Listen to Episode 2973 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine Major Stephen W. Pless.
