Thiếu Tá Richard Patrick Carlisle trong đoàn CV TQLCKH cho TQLCVN. Ông đã tình nguyện bay trực thăng để phối hợp với trực thăng võ trang và phản lực củng pháo binh đễ yểm trợ cho TQLCVN trong cuộc hành quân LS 719 năm1971.. Người đã không nghĩ tới nguy hiểm cho bản thân mình, máy bay đã trúng đạn phòng không nhưng vẫn giữ vững cần lái, túc trực trên không phận, hoả lực phòng không dầy đặc cũa VC. Hướng dẫn trực thăng võ trang và phản lực cùng pháo binh bắn nhiều phi đạn và bom vào trúng mục tiêu, yểm trơ hữu hiệu cho TQLCVN trong cuộc Hành quân LS 719 Ha lào. Ông mới qua đời. Tang lễ sẽ được cử hành trọng thể đúng lễ nghi quân cách ngày 9 tháng 3 năm 2011. Ông được Tổng thống Hoa Kỳ ân thưởng huy chương US Silver Star và U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross . trong cuộc hành quân này.

ĐS

Sau đây là thư thông báo tin buồn cho ĐS biết hôm nay March -1-2011.

Dear Colonel Dinh-

I wanted to let you know that the Covans have learned of the death of a Trau Dien who served in I Corps and Laos in 1971 and was awarded the U.S. Silver Star for coordinating fire support for Brigade 147 and other forces in Lam Son 719. He served two tours in Vietnam was also awarded the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross .

Major (Retired) Richard Patrick Carlisle, USMC , 73, died in Lexington, North Carolina . The funeral was on January 9, 2011, with full military honors. Major Carlisle was born April 24, 1937, in Washington County, Pennsylvania. He was retired after serving 25 years in the U.S. Marine Corp. He earned a business degree from Catawba College in North Carolina and was retired from his second career with a trucking company after 16 years . He is survived by his wife.

Major Carlisle was known to us as "Pat."

Here is his Silver Star citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Richard P. Carlisle (MCSN: 0-80714), United States Marine Corps , for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Marine Advisory Unit as an Airborne Coordinator for the Vietnam Marine Division from 19 March to 25 March 1971.

During Operation LAM SON 719 in Military Region I and Laos, Brigade 147 of the Marine Division was in heavy contact with well-armed, organized and equipped North Vietnamese Army units . Major Carlisle voluntarily flew repeated sorties over the hazardous combat area to provide vitally needed coordination between the brigade and United States supporting arms. Completely disregarding intensive enemy anti-aircraft fire, he expertly directed and controlled a deadly volume of artillery and gunship fire which greatly aided the brigade in repulsing repeated enemy attacks.

On 21 March during an extremely heavy enemy attack, he flew at dangerously low altitudes to better observe the battlefield and accurately assess the situation. His helicopter was repeatedly hit by enemy fire and almost totally disabled. He totally disregarded this danger and remained on station providing outstanding supporting fire and observation to the brigade until relieved. His outstanding coordination of artillery, fixed wing aircraft and helicopter gunship strikes, coupled with his tactical observations to the ground commander, directly assisted in the command and control of the units involved in the action and resulted in an overwhelming enemy defeat.

By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Major Carlisle upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service .

Semper Fi.
Carl.
Trau Dien