The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Gary Thomas Osborne (AFSN: AF-168474196), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia on 18 November 1972. On that date, Sergeant Osborne, a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to recover two downed American airmen. At great risk to his own life, he willingly exposed himself to hostile ground forces while manning his minigun position. Sergeant Osborne’s professional skill in suppressing the ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft was directly responsible in the successful completion of t his hazardous rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Osborne has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant Gary Thomas Osborne (AFSN: AF-168474196), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight .
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Sergeant Gary Thomas Osborne (AFSN: AF-168474196), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight .
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
SergeantBatallion:
37th Air Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
April 15, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Gary Thomas Osborne, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pararescue Specialist in the 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Force, in action near Dak Nay Puey, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 April 1970. On that date, Sergeant Osborne was a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-3E helicopter providing cover for another helicopter attempting a rescue, when the first helicopter was shot down. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Osborne immediately descended to the rescue of the surviving crewmembers, despite exploding ammunition on the burning helicopter, and the presence of the hostile troops in the immediate area. This courageous and aggressive act resulted in the immediate rescue of three crewmembers who were burned and wounded, saving them from death or capture. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Osborne has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.