Airman First Class Charles R. Ingulli Jr. distinguished
himself by gallantry in connection with military
operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-43
pararescueman near Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam on 20
March 1968. On that date, Airman Ingulli was called
upon to rescue a critically injured pilot who had been
downed in an extremely hostile area of jungle known as
the “Lai Khe rocket belt”. This area was known to be
heavily infested with Viet Cong and North Vietnamese
Army rocket artillery troops. Airman Ingulli was
lowered to the ground from the helicopter after
nightfall and thoroughly explored the aircraft wreckage
in search of the downed pilot. Finding no one, he then
expanded his search into the surrounding jungle,
disregarding the probable dangers of hostile activity.
After ten long minutes of searching with his flashlight,
he discovered the semi-conscious, severely burned
pilot. Airman Ingulli immediately notified the
helicopter crew and requested a litter be lowered to the
ground. Working swiftly and skillfully, he secured the
injured pilot in the litter and signaled for him to be
hoisted aboard the aircraft. Airman Ingulli waited
until he could also be lifted to safety and then began
immediate first aid. Enroute to the hospital he
administered heart massage and was able to sustain the
pilot’s life until he was delivered safely to medical
authorities. By his gallantry and devotion to duty,
Airman Ingulli has reflected great credit upon himself
and the United States Air Force.