Hosted by PJs in
Vietnam
Last Update:
Monday, July 20, 2009
Site Mission: Provide Pararescue
and Air Rescue History
Silver Star Recipient
Attention to orders. Citation to accompany the award of the Silver Star
Second Oak Leaf Cluster
to Sergeant James W. Cockerill
Sergeant James W. Cockerill distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 27 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Cockerill, an Aerial Combat Photographer on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily flew into a highly hostile area to attempt the rescue of a downed American airman. With his helicopter receiving intense ground fire, Sergeant Cockerill stood in the unprotected crew door to aid in searching for the survivor; and then, when the survivor was located, he openly stood beside the hoist operator and fired a machine gun to provide protection as the rescue device was lowered. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Cockerill has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.