Navy Federal Credit Union

Donald Smith’s helicopter in this mission was “Jolly Green 28” (66-13281), one of TWO helicopters to make the first non-stop transatlantic helicopter flight. It was destroyed when it was shot down after dropping Smith and the F-100 pilot, “Misty 11A”. The pilot and two remaining crewmen of “Jolly Green 28” were all recovered alive, and after three attempts a successful rescue of both Smith and “Misty 11A” was accomplished. Another rescue helicopter was able to subsequently recover the F-100 Co-Pilot, “Misty 11B”.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Technical Sergeant Donald Gordon Smith, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescueman on a HH-3E Rescue Helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in Laos, on 24 October 1969. On that date, Sergeant Smith voluntarily descended to the surface on a forest penetrator to assist a downed pilot. As he and the pilot were being raised, hostile fire rendered the hoist inoperative and the cable was sheared, dropping them fifteen feet to the ground. Sergeant Smith’s position was surrounded by hostile forces, and his helicopter was downed by hostile fire. Remaining exceptionally calm, his resolute and decisive presence encouraged the other survivors, while his resourcefulness in controlling and directing the aircraft providing suppressive fire, resulted in the safe recovery of all downed personnel. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant Smith reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Airman’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to Technical Sergeant Donald Gordon Smith, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life, while serving as a Pararescue Specialist with the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, near Da Nang Air Base on 19 February 1970. On that date, Technical Sergeant Smith, in order to rescue two crew members pinned inside an enflamed crashed AC-119, dove into an oil and fuel covered pond. Despite the potential hazard of an engulfing explosion, a successful rescue was effected. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Technical Sergeant Smith has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.