Hosted by PJs in
Vietnam
Last Update:
Monday, December 19, 2011
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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Staff Sergeant Hershel E. Fannin distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Flight Mechanic of a CH-53C helicopter in Southeast Asia on 19 October 1972. On that date, Sergeant Fannin was in a formation assigned to airlift a contingent of allied soldiers deep into hostile territory to a tactical objective long held by hostile forces. Despite heavy antiaircraft, small arms, and automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft from all sides of the contested landing zone, Sergeant Fannin remained at his exposed position giving accurate approach instructions to the pilots and calling out ground fire. Although his aircraft sustained numerous hits from the heavy hostile fire, Sergeant Fannin willingly disregarded the safety of his own life to ensure the survival of a beleaguered allied force and to aid the initiation of a new offensive in a vital area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Fannin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.