Marine Pilot Receives British Honor

(CBS)  A lot of American tourists come to London hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen. But Maj. William Cheserak is no tourist: He's a hero, CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reports.

Cheserak, a U.S. Marine pilot, was honored on Wednesday in a way no American has been since the Second World War. He was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross — the most prestigious medal for airborne service the British have.

"I was overwhelmed, quite surprised," Chesarak says.

Chesarek was serving as an exchange helicopter pilot in Iraq with a British Naval Air Squadron, flying cover for a ground patrol when it came under intense fire.

"I did basically a run into the town, low level," he explains, adding that he preferred to not necessarily draw fire.

But draw fire he did, with one rocket round just missing him. Despite that, Chesarek then flew into the fight to evacuate a severely wounded British soldier, likely saving his life. He didn't think he did anything extraordinary.

But others did. This war has plenty of controversy. It now has one more hero.

[jamiemack3]

To Major Cheserak,(and to the American people) an open letter.

Sir

For the action you took, thank you. For the selfless commitment under fire, for putting your own life at risk to rescue one of our boys for doing a damm fine job in difficult conditions and for being there when you were needed, Thank you.

To those of you (as you like to put it ) across the pond. Please note that the vocal minority who spout Anti American sentiment are a very small minority in our country. The rest of us respect you, like you and even though we don't always understand you,and I know many of you dont always understand us, our humour and strange colonial habits, we will stand by you.

Freedom in this world comes at a price and often the bill is paid in the blood of our armed services as a vetran and son of, brother of and step father of Soldiers, I feel I can safely say that the all three of the UK armed services are willing to step up to the plate and bat on the same team as you guys. We'll be there when you need us and Maj Cheserak has shown by his glowing example that you are there for us when we need you.

With Repect and Regards.

Yours Jamie Mackenzie

[elgraz]

Fantastic feat...........A true hero and better still, the UK recognized his heroism. There still is good in this world despite the demons who roam it.Keep this in mind people. Don't let the *** get you down.

[us_infidel]

Congratulations and well done!

[gsms1]

Most excellent! One of the few good stories from this gawd-awful war!

[mikerogers44]

Sir, Outstanding!Hooah!!From Oregon City,Oregon