Navy Federal Credit Union

John Bender graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1963.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Helicoper Anti-Submarine Squadron 2

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant John Cecil Bender, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to and serving with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO as pilot in command of an armored helicopter, flying a search and rescue mission against enemy forces over North Vietnam on 18 July 1967. From a position off the coast of North Vietnam, Lieutenant Bender was notified that two Navy pilots were downed four miles west of the heavily defended Phu Ly road, river and rail intersection. Fully aware that another helicopter had sustained heavy battle damage the previous day during the rescue of another downed pilot in the same area and realizing that this area would be the focal point of increased enemy opposition, Lieutenant Bender courageously elected to attempt the rescue. During the 105 mile over- land flight, carefully navigated by Lieutenant Bender, MIG aircraft closed to within 10 miles of the helicopter prior to interception by friendly aircraft. Arriving in the SAR area they descended to a low altitude in order to prosecute the search effectively. Thereupon intense ground fire from three sides laced the area with tracers at such close range that the sound of automatic weapons and small arms firing was audible above the engine and rotor noise. Without regard to his personal safety, Lieutenant Bender continually exposed himself outside the cockpit window to search for the survivor in the dense jungle growth and rugged karst cliffs and To assist the gunners by effectively directing sub-machine gun fire against the enemy troops. After 12 minutes in the difficult hover under intense gun fire the first crewman was mortally wounded by a bullet which pierced Lieutenant Bender’s window. Knowing that an Air Force rescue helo was standing by, Lieutenant Bender made the decision to withdraw and seek medical aid for his dying crewman. The rescue was successfully effected, aided in great measure by Lieutenant Bender’s persistence in locating the survivor, and tenacity in remaining in the area, suppressing enemy fire. Lieutenant Bender’s superb courage while in command of the helicopter under fire, his gallantry in pressing the rescue effort, and extraordinary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.