Duane Martin was Pilot of “Dutchy 41”, a rescue helicopter participating in the SAR for ESSEX 04, an F-105D piloted by Captain Willis E. Forby, who was captured when his aircraft was hit by ground fire and crashed. Captain Thomas Curtis (Pilot), Airman First Class William Robinson (Flight Mechanic), and Airman Third Class Arthur Black (Pararescueman) were captured after the crash and held in North Vietnam until they were repatriated on February 27, 1973, after seven years in captivity. Duane Martin (Pilot) evaded and made his way to Laos and was captured by the Pathet Lao. In June 1966 along with Navy Lieutenant (j.g.) Dieter Dengler he escaped and evaded for 17 days before he was killed. All four members of the crew of “Dutchy 41” were awarded the Air Force Cross. Duane Martins’ remains have never been recovered.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant Duane Whitney Martin (AFSN: 0-75418A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an HH-43B helicopter of Detachment 3, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy in North Vietnam in 1966. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
September 20, 1965
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Duane Whitney Martin (AFSN: 0-75418A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an HH-43B helicopter of Detachment 3, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, in action 40 miles south of Vinh, North Vietnam on 20 September 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Martin participated in an extremely hazardous attempted recovery of a downed pilot. The mission required a flight of over 80 miles, mostly over hostile controlled territory. Evaluation of the environment in which the downed pilot was located indicated that maximum performance would be demanded from each crew member if successful recovery was to be effected. Without hesitation and complete disregard for his own safety, and though exposed to intensive hostile ground fire, Lieutenant Martin performed with courage and professional precision in a supreme effort to rescue a fallen comrade. Lieutenant Martin’s courageous action and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the American fighting man under attack by an opposing armed force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, First Lieutenant Martin reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantDivision:
Prisoner of War (Laos)Action Date:
September 20, 1965 – Died in Captivity
First Lieutenant Duane Whitney Martin (AFSN: 0-75418A), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from September 20, 1965 until his death in captivity in July 1966.