Tilford Harp Graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1970. The pilot of his C-5A on his Air Force Cross mission was Captain Dennis Traynor, who also received the Air Force Cross for this action during the operation generally called “Operation Babylift” and which was executed during the evacuation of Saigon. It was the LAST action of the Vietnam War (exclusive of the SS Mayaguez Rescue in Cambodia) to merit the Air Force Cross. Tilford Harp retired in 1994 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.
Sponsored by:
Tilford
Warren
Harp
October 1, 1946
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Cross
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Airman’s Medal
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Tilford W. Harp, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
22d Airlift SquadronDivision:
Clark Air Base, Philippine IslandsAction Date:
April 3, 1975
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Tilford Warren Harp, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism and airmanship while engaged in a humanitarian mission as Co-Pilot of an Air Force C-5A aircraft of the 22d Airlift Squadron, Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands, in action at Saigon, Vietnam, on 3 April 1975. On that date, his aircraft, carrying 330 passengers and crew, experienced a serious in-flight emergency which could have resulted in the loss of life for all aboard. With no aircraft controls except one aileron and the engines, Captain Harp provided exceptionally vital assistance to the Aircraft Commander in guiding the crippled aircraft to a crash landing in a rice paddy, thereby saving the lives of 176 of the people on board. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Captain Harp reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Airman’s Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
22d Airlift SquadronDivision:
Clark Air Base, Philippine IslandsAction Date:
April 3, 1975
U.S. Air Force Academy Register of GraduatesThe 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 Tilford W. Harp, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life, while serving with the 22d Airlift Squadron, Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands, in action at Saigon, Vietnam, on 3 April 1975. On that date, Captain Harp was serving as Co-Pilot aboard a United States Air Force C-5A Aircraft performing a humanitarian mission airlifting Vietnamese orphans and United States civilians from Saigon, South Vietnam, to the United States. When a serious in-flight emergency ultimately resulted in a crash landing of the aircraft, he demonstrated great professionalism and heroism in the efforts to rescue survivors. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Captain Harp has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.