Navy Federal Credit Union

Of this action, Francis Millen, who was Flight Engineer on this aircraft noted: “(On the) last day of the war we were mortared at Dalat Cam Ly, South Vietnam. The plane was severely ‘wounded’ but we wanted to get out of there and the Army wanted us out of there so with some quick repairs and determination we got the plane started and took off and limped back to NPB AB, Thailand on three engines and the loss of main hydraulic system. By the grace of God we all survived without injury.” The seven members of the crew were all awarded the Silver Star.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    345th Tactical Airlift Squadron

    Action Date:

    January 27, 1973

    Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Special Order GB-0437 (April 10, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Richard W. Milner, United States Air Force, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in connection with operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Dalat/Cam-Ly Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 January 1973. On that date his aircraft was hit and severely damaged by hostile mortar fire while on the ground. Rather than be evacuated to a safe location and in spite of continued hostile mortar fire, he remained with his aircraft until the parts and equipment required to repair his aircraft were delivered. After assisting in all the necessary reparations, the aircraft executed an emergency takeoff.