The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by 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 Staff Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the Prisoner of War Search and Rescue Operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Sergeant McComb performed aircrew duties on the lead aircraft of the force penetrating deep into enemy territory in the attempted rescue effort. Completely aware of the enemy anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missile threats en route and in the objective area, Sergeant McComb totally disregarded his personal safety and skillfully performed his duties which significantly contributed to effective control of the entire force. As a result of Sergeant McComb’s heroic efforts, the force arrived at Son Tay as planned, the enemy forces were completely surprised, and the mission was successfully completed. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Second Class McComb has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Airman’s Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Airman Second Class Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pararescue Specialist on an unarmed HH-3E rescue helicopter near Nam Dinh, North Vietnam on 18 July 1967. On that date, Airman McComb penetrated deep into hostile territory to recover a downed United States Navy pilot. While being subjected to an intense barrage of automatic weapons fire, he deliberately exposed himself in order to assist in locating and retrieving the survivor. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Second Class McComb 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 a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Pararescue Specialist in Southeast Asia, on 11 March 1968. On that date, Sergeant McComb participated in the successful evacuation of thirty-two friendly soldiers from a mountain-top fortress which was being overrun by hostile fire. Despite the constant threat of unfriendly fire, Sergeant McComb continued to render medical assistance to the wounded survivors until they were safely returned to friendly positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McComb 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 with Combat “V” to Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pararescue Specialist of an HH-3E rescue helicopter in Southeast Asia on 11 November 1967. On that date, Sergeant McComb flew into an extremely hostile ground environment to attempt the rescue of a downed U.S. Air Force pilot. Driven from a hover by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, he again returned, and for a second time was driven off. Moments later, and without fighter escort of any kind, Sergeant McComb ‘s helicopter descended below a low cloud layer and performed visual reconnaissance for a second helicopter until his aircraft was driven off for a third time by anti-aircraft fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McComb reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Airman’s Medal
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life as a Pararescue Specialist in Southeast Asia on 16 September 1967. On that date, Sergeant McComb descended on a forest penetrator to render assistance to an injured survivor. After unselfishly giving his own protective gear to the downed pilot, Sergeant McComb held him securely on the rescue device as it was being towed through dense jungle foliage, offering the protection of his own body to prevent further injury. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant McComb 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 a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Pararescue and Recovery Technician in Southeast Asia, on 9 January 1971. On that date, Sergeant McComb flew an extremely hazardous mission through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished this highly intricate and important mission in support of free world forces combating aggression. Through Sergeant McComb’s personal bravery and energetic application of his skill and knowledge, he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant McComb reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.