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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain Gregory A. M. Etzel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander near Mu Gia Pass, North Vietnam, on 29 December 1967. On that date, Captain Etzel successfully rescued two Air Force pilots located less than one mile from a heavily defended supply route. The recovery of one of the pilots required Captain Etzel to hold a motionless hover only a few feet from a jagged karst wall until the downed crew member, wedged between two pieces of karst, could work himself free and be brought up on the hoist. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Etzel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    July 2 & 3, 1967
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-293 (August 11, 1967)

    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 Captain Gregory A. M. Etzel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-3E Pilot of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 2 and 3 July 1967. On 2 July, Captain Etzel flew his helicopter into one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam to rescue a downed F-105 pilot. Unable to effect a pickup because of oncoming darkness and intense small arms fire that damaged his aircraft, Captain Etzel withdrew from the area. After landing at a friendly base, he volunteered to continue rescue operations the next day. After minimum rest, he took off at first light and flew through intense automatic fire, dodged deadly missiles, and evaded attacking MiGs in search of the downed pilot. In the face of heavy small arms fire that severely damaged his helicopter, he located and rescued this valuable pilot. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Etzel reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.