The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Jimmie Blackwood, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 June 1971. On that date, Captain Blackwood was aircraft commander of an HH-3E helicopter attempting the rescue of a United States Army aircrewman. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Blackwood continued the attempt while under extremely intense and accurate hostile ground fire and only when his aircraft had sustained extensive battle damage and was rendered incapable of a rescue did he withdraw. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Blackwood 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Jimmie Blackwood, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Co-pilot of an HH-3E helicopter near Dak Nay Puey, Republic of Vietnam, on 15 April 1970. On that date, while covering another helicopter attempting the rescue of a United States Army helicopter crew, the first helicopter was shot down on its third rescue attempt. Despite the hostile fire and two fire warning lights on his helicopter, Captain Blackwood calmly assisted the Aircraft Commander to rescue three survivors of the crash restoring engine power through his quick action when the helicopter engines lost power causing the helicopter to settle into the trees after the survivors were aboard. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Blackwood reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 Jimmie Blackwood, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Copilot of an HH3E helicopter near Quang Tri, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 March 1970. On that date, Captain Blackwood’s helicopter was attempting the rescue of two United States Army pilots, when it was riddled by hostile fire, critically damaging the helicopter and wounding one of the crew members. Captain Blackwood calmly relayed their intentions to the covering helicopter, and warned the crew to brace for an emergency landing, while assisting the Aircraft Commander in making the landing, thereby preventing further injury or possible death to the wounded crewman. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Blackwood reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.