The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Terry D. Ohlemeier, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Captain Ohlemeier was the Aircraft Commander of a CH-53 helicopter which was one of the first four aircraft attempting to deliver a contingent of United States Marines on the Island. In the face of continuous heavy hostile fire, Captain Ohlemeier was forced to break off his approach to the landing zone and begin providing suppressive fire. Noting that one of the aircraft had been shot down, he assisted in recovery of the crew. Then, in spite of the known resistance, again attempted to deliver his contingent of United States Marines. During this second attempt, his aircraft immediately began taking hits which severely damaged the aircraft. With streaming fuel and leaking oil, he withdrew and managed to recover the crippled aircraft in friendly territory. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Ohlemeier has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Airman’s Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Terry D. Ohlemeier, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Republic of South Vietnam, from 19 April 1975 to 2 May 1975. During this period, Captain Ohlemeier displayed exemplary skill and outstanding airmanship in the face of hostile fire during extended hours of flight under substandard night weather conditions to evacuate the American Ambassador, American citizens and other foreign nations from the besieged city of Saigon. Captain Ohlemeier’s perseverance in operating his CH-53 on numerous sorties from an unfamiliar aircraft carrier environment into dimly illuminated landing zones was a major factor in the return of more than 7,000 men, women and children from a life or death situation to waiting rescue ships. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Ohlemeier reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Airman’s Medal
Headquarters, Department of the Air Force, Special Orders GB-255 (May 8, 1981)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to Captain Terry D. Ohlemeier, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Salida, Colorado, on 17 November 1980. On that date, with complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Ohlemeier participated in the rescue of four survivors of a light aircraft crash in the snow-covered Colorado Rockies. The life-endangering mission involved a UH-1 Huey operating 2,000 feet above its service ceiling. The crash victims had sustained various injuries and, after a night of sub-freezing temperatures, were in need of immediate medical attention and might not survive continued exposure on the mountain. To preclude the survivors from spending another night under hazardous conditions, he voluntarily accepted the personal risk involved to accomplish their timely recovery. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Captain Ohlemeier reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.