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 to Master Sergeant Edward M. Willis
Master Sergeant Edward M. Willis distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue/Recovery Specialist in Southeast Asia on 8 October 1969. On that date, Sergeant Willis was a crewmember on an HH-53, which rescued a seriously injured airman from certain death. Sergeant Willis and his fellow crewmembers descended into a known hostile area before it was deemed safe. Sergeant Willis then descended on the rescue hoist to aid the downed airman who was hanging upside down unconscious in a tree, suspended only by his trapped, broken ankle. Although continuous ground fire was observed around his position, Sergeant Willis successfully completed the rescue and saved the injured airman from certain death. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Willis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.