Stephen W. Pless was a distinguished major in the United States Marine Corps, recognized for his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. He earned the Medal of Honor for a daring helicopter rescue mission that saved the lives of American soldiers under heavy enemy fire. Pless's heroic actions and dedication to his country made him a legendary figure in Marine Corps history.
Early Life and Struggles:Â Born as Stephen Pollard on September 6, 1939, in Newnan, Georgia, Stephen W. Pless faced early challenges in his life. After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother, Nancy Lassetter Pollard, to Atlanta, where she remarried Berlin Pless. Stephen was adopted by his stepfather and took the Pless surname. He attended Decatur High School in Decatur before transferring to Georgia Military Academy in College Park, where he graduated in 1957. This early life instilled in him a sense of discipline and duty, setting the foundation for his future military career.
Military Enlistment and Heroics:Â Pless's military journey began while he was still a senior at Georgia Military Academy. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on September 6, 1956, and quickly proved his mettle. After completing recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he served with the 1st Motor Transport Battalion in Atlanta. His dedication and skill led him to pursue flight training, and in 1959, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and later became a naval aviator. Over the next several years, Pless served in various capacities, honing his skills as a helicopter pilot and gaining valuable experience that would later define his career.
Defining Moment:Â Pless's defining moment came during the Vietnam War on August 19, 1967. While serving as a helicopter gunship pilot with Marine Observation Squadron 6, Pless received an emergency call about four American soldiers stranded on a beach and surrounded by a large Viet Cong force. Demonstrating exceptional courage and skill, Pless led a rescue mission under intense enemy fire. He launched a devastating attack on the enemy, allowing his crew to retrieve the wounded soldiers. Despite the helicopter being overloaded and repeatedly settling into the water, Pless managed to get the aircraft airborne, saving the lives of the soldiers. His extraordinary heroism earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the only Marine aviator to receive the award during the Vietnam War.
Post-War Life and Career:Â After returning from Vietnam, Pless continued to serve with distinction in various roles within the Marine Corps. He was promoted to major on November 7, 1967, and served as an administrative assistant at the Aviation Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station Pensacola. His bravery and leadership were further recognized when President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded him the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony on January 16, 1969. Tragically, Pless's life was cut short later that year when he died in a motorcycle accident on July 20, 1969.
Military Awards and Decorations:Â Stephen W. Pless's military career was marked by numerous awards and decorations, reflecting his bravery, skill, and dedication. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and 38 Air Medals, among other accolades. His crewmates from the Medal of Honor mission were also recognized with the Navy Cross, making them the most highly decorated helicopter crew of the Vietnam War.
Conclusion:Â Stephen W. Pless's legacy is one of extraordinary heroism and dedication to his country. His actions during the Vietnam War saved lives and demonstrated the highest standards of bravery and skill in combat. Though his life was tragically short, his impact on the Marine Corps and his country endures, remembered through the many honors and memorials dedicated to his name.