The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Edward Harry Boggs (ASN: AF-190113188), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Detachment 1, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea during the period from 23 March through 24 March 1951. Flying as a Para-Medic air crew member of a slow, unarmed and highly vulnerable H-5 helicopter, Staff Sergeant Boggs made repeated flights through enemy small arms and machine gun fire to effect the evacuation of critically wounded United Nations personnel from the airborne infantry drop zone at Munsan, Korea. Immediately after the completion of the initial para-drop the rescue aircraft, with Staff Sergeant Boggs on board, proceeded to the drop zone twenty-three miles deep in enemy territory. En route to the drop zone, the defenseless helicopter was subjected to intense enemy rifle and machine gun fire. When the aircraft landed at the aid station the enemy immediately subjected the site to a heavy barrage of artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, which caused the United Nations personnel to take shelter. The gravity of the injuries suffered by the patients warranted immediate evacuation, which was accomplished in the face of intense enemy fire. The wounded were flown to advanced medical stations behind friendly lines. Staff Sergeant Boggs, having full knowledge that his life would be jeopardized by heavy and accurate fire, voluntarily made repeated trips over enemy territory to render medical assistance and evacuation facilities available to the casualties. On each successive sortie the aircraft was subjected to heavy ground fire in flight and to an intense artillery and mortar barrage at the aid station in the drop zone. By his courage, heroism, and devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Staff Sergeant Boggs has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Technical SergeantBatallion:
3d Air Rescue SquadronDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
March 31, 1951
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 30 (January 15, 1952)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Edward Harry Boggs (ASN: AF-190113188), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action and heroism against an enemy near Munsan, Korea, on 31 March 1951. On that date, Sergeant Boggs, an Aero Medical crew member on a rescue helicopter with Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, flew to an area where critically wounded United Nations troops were cut off by enemy forces. The helicopter landed amidst enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. When he realized there were too many wounded men to evacuate before dark, Sergeant Boggs volunteered to remain on the ground with the trapped men in order that one additional wounded man could be evacuated on each flight to a nearby aid station. Sergeant Boggs was well aware that by remaining behind he would risk his own life. While the helicopter shuttled back and forth, Sergeant Boggs took full charge of the disorganized and weary group. He directed survivors to defensive positions in order to repulse enemy infiltration. Constantly exposing himself to enemy fire, Sergeant Boggs established a system of priority for evacuation and gave all first-aid possible. Not until the last wounded man was evacuated did Sergeant Boggs consider leaving the area. By his expert leadership and exceptional bravery under fire, Sergeant Boggs brought about the rescue of a large number of seriously wounded men. Sergeant Boggs’ heroism and selflessness were in keeping with the highest tradition of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.