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thedrifter
08-25-05, 07:33 PM
Pilot receives distinguished flying cross
MCAS Miramar
Story by Cpl. T.D. Smith

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2005) -- Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161's motto is Equitatus Caeli, which means cavalry from the sky. One of the Miramar-based helicopter squadron's pilots' actions in Iraq exemplified his unit's motto.

Captain Steven Clifton, aviation safety officer, HMM-161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, received the Distinguished Flying Cross, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in late July, for his service during a casualty evacuation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to a servicemember who distinguishes himself in combat in support of an operation through their heroism or extraordinary achievement while in flight. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh received the first Distinguished Flying Cross ever awarded.

On the morning of July 5, 2004, Clifton was slated to co-pilot a CH-46E in an urgent casualty evacuation from the 31st Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. First Marine Expeditionary Force had determined that the hospital was in a high-threat area due to the likelihood of danger to aircraft in the vicinity.

Five miles out of Fallujah, Clifton's aircraft received small arms fire from an unknown point of origin. After being hit in the face with some glass debris, the co-pilot noticed a small hole in the glass window of the cockpit.

He then turned to check on the aircraft's pilot, Lt. Col. David Coffman, commanding officer, HMM-161, and discovered Coffman's jaw had been badly damaged and was bleeding. Initially, Coffman was able to maintain control of the aircraft, but Clifton was quick to take over piloting the helicopter.

Despite loss of radio contact and damage to the hydraulic line, Clifton executed evasive maneuvers and was able to break away from enemy contact. Once out of enemy fire he alerted the corpsman on board of Coffman's condition.

Disregarding his own wounds, Clifton continued to fly the damaged aircraft, even though the cabin was in flames. Initially, the aircraft functioned normally, but the condition of the helicopter deteriorated. He determined the best course of action was to return to the airfield in Al Taqaddum.

While traveling back to base, the aircraft experienced several emergencies.
Due to hydraulic problems, the electrical power supporting the inter-communication system was non-operational, and there was questionable performance for one engine.

The aircraft's flight control system was damaged, requiring Clifton to override the neutral position of the centering spring in order to fly the aircraft straight and level.

Upon return to Al Taqaddum's airspace, Clifton executed lost communication procedures, due to the loss of radio transmission capabilities. Once he was able to determine there was no conflicting traffic, he safely landed the helicopter and overrode the controls while the crew chief performed an emergency shut down of the aircraft.

Despite the stress of the situation, Clifton was able to remain calm and credits his actions to Marine Corps training.

"When we are out there training (the instructors) give us scenarios where we respond to enemy fire. We are taught to focus on flying the aircraft even during dangerous situations, and that is what I did," said Clifton.

Even with the difficulty he faced in Iraq, Clifton said he saw the importance of being out there for his fellow Marines.

"We love our job because we know we are bringing in the wounded for medical help. It is great to have this job and to help our fellow Marines on the ground," said Clifton.

Ellie

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