Hosted by PJs in
Vietnam
Last Update:
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Site Mission: Provide Pararescue
and Air Rescue History
Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient
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Attention to orders. Citation to accompany the award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross
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Sergeant Earnest D. Casbeer distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-3E Rescue Specialist near the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam on 9 June 1968. On that date, Sergeant Casbeer flew over hostile territory to attempt the rescue of a downed United States Air Force pilot from one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Six previous attempts had been driven off with intense ground fire resulting in one helicopter shot down and two damaged. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Casbeer volunteered to deploy into the hostile area to assist the downed pilot in his rescue. When intense ground fire forced the withdrawal, Sergeant Casbeer manned his machine gun and helped suppress the hostile ground fire until his aircraft reached safety. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Casbeer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.