HISTORY - Articles - General's Trophy The following article comes from Gary Herrmann who served with the squadron when the events occurred. Article from the MCAS Beaufort newspaper, date unknown. Major General Marion E. Carl, Commanding General of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, presented Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 with three important and coveted awards, during his visit in Oct. Accepting the Commanding General's Trophy, the Commanding General's Outstanding Achievement Trophy and the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation Safety Plaque, was Lieutenant Colonel E. C. Johnson,VMFA-251's commanding officer. The Commanding General's Trophy was presented to VMFA-251 for the squadron with the most outstanding overall performance and for making the most significant contribution to the accomplishment of the mission of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the Fiscal Year 1968. Factors taken into consideration in awarding this trophy include safety records, operational commitments, the A&M inspection, operational readiness, and performance in competitive evaluation exercises. The squadron was awarded the Commanding General's Outstanding Achievement Award for outstanding achievement and superior performance of all assigned missions and tasks for Fiscal Year 1968. To earn this award, VMFA-251, had to compete with all other squadrons within the 2nd MAW, which have similar missions. Major General Carl presented the McDonnell Douglas Safety plaque to the squadron, in recognition of more than 20,000 accident free flight hours flown by the Thunderbolts, since acquiring the F-4B Phantom.