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 Major Adrian D. Youngblood (AFSN: FV-3020856), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Rescue Crew Commander in the Demilitarized Zone of North Vietnam on 16 May 1967. On that date, Major Youngblood entered an intensely hostile area and braved automatic weapons fire in attempting to rescue two downed American pilots. Although forced to withdraw after hostile fire disabled one of the aircraft’s engines, Major Youngblood’s efforts paved the way for a later successful rescue operation by another helicopter. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Youngblood reflect 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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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
3d Aerial Rescue and Recovery GroupAction Date:
March 13, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-803 (June 7, 1967)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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Adrian D. Youngblood (AFSN: FV-3020856), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E of the 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group in the Demilitarized Zone of the Republic of Vietnam on 13 March 1967. On that date, Major Youngblood successfully rescued a seriously injured United States Marine crewmember, whose aircraft had been downed by ground fire in hostile territory. Fighter aircraft attempted to reduce hostile action, but because of the number of unfriendly troops in the area, strong opposition was never completely suppressed. In view of the seriousness of the survivors and with nightfall rapidly approaching when rescue would be impossible, Major Youngblood, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, retrieved the Marine, despite intense ground fire which rendered inoperative several vital systems on his helicopter. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Youngblood has reflected 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 with Combat “V” to Major Adrian D. Youngblood (AFSN: FV-3020856), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander in the Black River Valley of North Vietnam on 14 October 1966. On that date, Major Youngblood was flying a rescue mission under extremely hazardous conditions, facing intensive and accurate ground fire deep in hostile territory. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, great determination and superior airmanship, Major Youngblood successfully rescued a downed American airman while the hostiles rushed trucks loaded with troops and guns into the area. By courageous and aggressive action against intense gun fire, Major Youngblood was able to extract the American airman before the hostiles could capture him. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Youngblood reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
3d Aerial Rescue and Recovery GroupAction Date:
October 20, 1966
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 Major Adrian D. Youngblood (AFSN: FV-3020856), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an HH-3E Helicopter Pilot in Southeast Asia on 20 October 1966. On that date, Major Youngblood voluntarily faced intense, accurately directed hostile fire for the purpose of saving the lives of two downed airmen. Following the successful rescue of the first downed pilot during which his helicopter was disabled by the withering fire, Major Youngblood was forced to land and abandon his unarmed rescue helicopter. Major Youngblood and the other members of his crew carried the downed pilot, who was hit by hostile fire during his rescue, to another awaiting rescue helicopter in an are of less intense fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Youngblood has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.