United States Marine Corps Pilot. He was one of the first two United States military helicopter pilots cited for bravery in action, as well as one of two Marine pilots who pioneered the use of helicopters in Korea in the early stages of that conflict. He was cited by his superiors for gallantry in action, both as an observer behind the enemy lines and for the rescue of flyers shot down at sea and behind Communist lines. Reporters covering the Korean War reported that he had evacuated at least 80 United Nations' infantrymen from the lines. In one instance, he saved a downed flyer 80 miles out at sea. He was rated an “ACE” for the number of lives he saved. He later served two years as a flyer in China. His plane was the last out of Chungking when the Chinese Communists took over that city. He then was assigned back to the helicopter division, being one of seven helicopter pilots assigned to cover the evacuation of Hungnam. As the last of the troops were preparing to leave the waterfront, he and his comrades were advised they would be evacuated to an aircraft carrier by a ferry boat. The ferry boat turned out to be the “USS Missouri”. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight Air Medals. He also received a Navy Letter of Commendation. He returned to the United States. in 1952. Sadly without warning, he was struck with polio at the Quantico Marine base, dying seven days later.
United States Marine Corps Pilot. He was one of the first two United States military helicopter pilots cited for bravery in action, as well as one of two Marine pilots who pioneered the use of helicopters in Korea in the early stages of that conflict. He was cited by his superiors for gallantry in action, both as an observer behind the enemy lines and for the rescue of flyers shot down at sea and behind Communist lines. Reporters covering the Korean War reported that he had evacuated at least 80 United Nations' infantrymen from the lines. In one instance, he saved a downed flyer 80 miles out at sea. He was rated an “ACE” for the number of lives he saved. He later served two years as a flyer in China. His plane was the last out of Chungking when the Chinese Communists took over that city. He then was assigned back to the helicopter division, being one of seven helicopter pilots assigned to cover the evacuation of Hungnam. As the last of the troops were preparing to leave the waterfront, he and his comrades were advised they would be evacuated to an aircraft carrier by a ferry boat. The ferry boat turned out to be the “USS Missouri”. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and eight Air Medals. He also received a Navy Letter of Commendation. He returned to the United States. in 1952. Sadly without warning, he was struck with polio at the Quantico Marine base, dying seven days later.
Bio by: Ugaalltheway
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