The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Air Force Award) to Lieutenant Robert E. Long, United States Coast Guard, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander of an HH-53C rescue Helicopter attached to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, United States Air Force, in action at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand on 27 December 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Long voluntarily flew into a highly hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to attempt the rescue of a downed American airman. When his wingman’s aircraft was severely damaged during the rescue attempt, Lieutenant Long provided invaluable assistance in locating a crash landing site and then landed and recovered the entire crew of the downed helicopter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Long reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Coast GuardRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
37th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron (Attached)Action Date:
September 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Air Force Award) to Lieutenant Robert E. Long, United States Coast Guard, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Aircraft Commander of an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter attached to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, United States Air Force, in action near Ban Klang, Laos, in September 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Long’s outstanding airmanship, sound judgment and exemplary leadership displayed under extremely hazardous conditions, resulted in the successful rescue of two United States Air Force aircrewmen from capture by hostile armed forces. With full knowledge of movement of hostile troops throughout the area, Lieutenant Long flew his aircraft to the survivors’ location and hovered over thirty minutes during the daring recovery of both downed crewmen. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Long reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.