US Air Force A1C Charles King: Air Force Cross Recipient during the Vietnam War

Air Force Cross Citation:

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue Specialist in an HH-3E Rescue Helicopter of Detachment 1, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Ban Lathama, Mahaxia District, Khammouan Province, Laos, on 25 December 1968. On that date, Airman King was aboard a helicopter engaged in the recovery of a downed United States Air Force pilot from an extremely hostile area. With complete disregard for his own safety, Airman King voluntarily descended on a rescue hoist more than one hundred feet to the ground to aid the injured pilot. Once on the ground, he carried the rescue device to the pilot, freed him from the parachute, secured him to the rescue device, and then used the cable hoist to drag the pilot to a point near the hovering helicopter. Suddenly, enemy soldiers closed in and directed automatic weapons fire at Airman King, the injured pilot, and the helicopter. Though wounded, Airman King, in an extraordinary display of courage and valor, placed his comrades lives above his own by refusing to continue their exposure to the murderous enemy fire. Without taking time to secure himself to the hoist cable, he radioed that he was hit and for the helicopter to pull away. Airman King made this selfless decision with the full realization that once the helicopter departed, he would be alone, wounded, and surrounded by armed, hostile forces. Through his professional dedication, aggressiveness, and extraordinary heroism, Airman King reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Summary:
On December 25, 1968, A1C Charles King, a pararescueman, was aboard an HH-3E Jolly Green Giant rescue helicopter on a rescue mission of a downed Air Force pilot, Maj. Charles Brownlee, from a hostile area in Laos. A1C King descended more than 100 feet on a hoist to assist the injured pilot. Upon reaching the ground, King freed Maj. Brownlee from his parachute, secured him to the rescue device, and then used the hoist to move the pilot closer to the hovering helicopter.
Enemy soldiers then approached and fired automatic weapons at both men and the helicopter. Despite being wounded, A1C King secured Maj. Brownlee and held onto the cable. As the helicopter ascended, the cable caught on a tree, causing it to snap, dropping both to the ground. Severely wounded, A1C King made one last radio call, urging the helicopter to leave as the enemy was almost upon them. After days of unsuccessful searches, A1C Charles King and Maj. Charles Brownlee were declared missing in action.

Please view our other video to learn about our Medal of Honor heroes.

Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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