Airman First Class Brad E. Marx distinguished himself by
gallantry in connection with military operations against
an opposing armed force on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf
of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Airman Marx
was the Pararescue Specialist of a CH-53 helicopter
which flew three sorties spanning more than fourteen
hours. Airman Marx and fellow crew members placed
United States Marines aboard the destroyer escort USS
Holt and then escorted a damaged aircraft to friendly
territory where they recovered its contingent of United
States Marines. They then delivered a contingent of
United States Marines to the island despite intensive
hostile ground fire. They remained close to the island
and provided protective fire for another aircraft and
escorted it to safety. Later in the day, they returned
to the island and again braved heavy hostile fire to
successfully remove a group of United States personnel.
This courageous action aided in the recovery of the SS
Mayaguez and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to
duty, Airman Marx has reflected great credit upon
himself and the United States Air Force.