1st Anglico
Congressional 
Medal of Honor Recipient
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On 19 Aug 1967 Pless, CAPT Stephen W. Newnan & Atlanta, GA Quang Nai, South Vietnam AOO, Marine Obsv. Sqdrn 6 (VMD-6), Marine Air Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing MAJ Pless died 20 Jul 1969 on a motorcycle, knew family of LtCol Jackson, USAF
PLESS, STEPHEN W. - Major (then Capt.), USMC, VMD-6, Mag-36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Action: Near Quang Nai, Republic of Vietnam, 19 Aug 1967. Inducted: Atlanta, Ga. DOB 6 Sep 1939, Newman, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a helicopter gunship pilot attached to Marine Observation Squadron 6 in action against enemy forces. During an escort mission Maj. Pless monitored an emergency call that a large Viet Cong force was overwhelming four American soldiers stranded on a nearby beach.
Maj. Pless flew to the scene and found 30 to 50 enemy soldiers in the open.
Some of the enemy were bayoneting and beating the downed Americans. Maj. Pless displayed exceptional airmanship as he launched a devastating attack against the enemy force, killing or wounding many of the enemy and driving the remainder back into a tree line. His rocket and machinegun attacks were made at such low levels that the aircraft flew through debris created by explosions from its rockets.
Seeing 1 of the wounded soldiers’ gesture for assistance, he maneuvered his helicopter into a position between the wounded men and the enemy, providing a shield, which permitted his crew to retrieve the wounded.
During the rescue the enemy directed intense fire at the helicopter and rushed the aircraft again and again, closing to within a few feet before being beaten back.
When the wounded men were aboard, Maj. Pless maneuvered the helicopter out to sea. Before it became safely airborne, the overloaded aircraft settled 4 times into the water.
Displaying superb airmanship, he finally got the helicopter aloft. Major Pless’ extraordinary heroism coupled with his outstanding flying skill prevented the annihilation of the tiny force.
His courageous actions reflect great credit upon him and uphold the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the US Naval Service.
