[Perseverando]

He died 52 years ago yesterday and just 6 months after he was awarded the MOH.

To the best of my memory (it's been more than 45 years), according to a good friend of his from Flight School and a Marine aviator, Major Pless died while drinking and riding his motorcycle. According to the friend, Pless tried to jump a drawbridge as it was opening while coming back to the mainland from Pensacola Beach.

Also according Major Pless's friend, Major Pless while conducting the escort mission violated SOP to break off from the escort mission and go to the aid of the soldiers on the beach.

According to Pless's desription to the friend, during the defense of the soldiers on the beach, Major Pless used the skids of the helicopter to attack the VC during his gun runs. (I can't remember if that was after he ran out of ammo.)

Anyway, according to Major Pless, the Marine Corps had two options for his actions: 1. Charge him with a violation of the UCMJ for failure to follow orders/SOP, or 2. Give him a medal.

[JonPreston]

Thank you for this.

[Steely Tom]

Incredible story of heroism. Unbelievable day’s work in Vietnam, back in 1967.

[twister881]

This is sad. From years of experience, I’ve learned we can keep our troops reasonably safe in the most challenging operational environments (direct contact with the enemy excluded), but they kill themselves or others on liberty, with alcohol almost always involved and motorcycles often involved. Such a waste, particularly when the buddy system breaks down.

[twister881]

I note he died on the same day Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin of Apollo 11 walked on the moon.

[DPMD]

Consider the report of his death verified. He also didn’t garner a lot of respect among his fellow Marine aviators in the Navy’s training command in Pensacola, where he was stationed. Many opted out of attending his funeral.

[easternsky]

Thank You

[oh8eleven]

"Pless died in a motorcycle accident on July 20, 1969, just over six months after receiving the nation's highest award for gallantry in action. While driving across a drawbridge which connected the city of Pensacola to Pensacola Beach, his motorcycle plunged off the end of the open bridge into the water. The center span of the bridge opened horizontally, and Pless did not realize it was open until it was too late. His body was recovered by divers seven hours later."

Source

[arthurus]

I love these.

[doorgunner69]

Cannot say for sure, but I think I went to HS with one of the crew members, who was also awarded.

Would like to see a list of the crew’s names.