Hosted by PJs in
Vietnam
Last Update:
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Site Mission: Provide Pararescue
and Air Rescue History
Airman's or Soldier's Medal Recipients
Attention to orders. Citation to accompany the award of the Airman's Medal to Technical Sergeant Dee W. Nelson
Technical Sergeant Dee W. Nelson distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from 20 March to 22 March 1965. On 20 March 1965, Sergeant Nelson flew to the aid of a seaman who had a ruptured appendix aboard the USS Montara which was 60 miles from the nearest port. Upon arrival at the ship, Sergeant Nelson parachuted into heavy seas, retrieved medical supplies that had been dropped to him, and proceeded to the ship with minimal delay despite increasing winds and heavy seas. He rapidly and correctly diagnosed the seriousness of the seaman’s condition and began immediate application of ice packs and administration of antibiotics. Medical treatment was continued on a 24-hour schedule until the ship reached port where an appendectomy was performed. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Nelson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.