The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Bennie D. Orrell (AFSN: 0-3230924), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 27 June 1972. On that date, Captain Orrell, Aircraft Commander on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily piloted his vulnerable aircraft deep into North Vietnam to effect the daring aerial rescue of a downed Air Force pilot. While faced with an impending engine failure on his own aircraft, intense ground fire, and unknown terrain, he courageously continued the mission. His professional performance, at great risk to his own life, was instrumental in the successful rescue of the imperiled airman virtually from the hands of his would-be captors. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Orrell has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
October 4, 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Bennie D. Orrell (AFSN: 0-3230924), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 4 October 1972. On that date, Captain Orrell’s job knowledge, outstanding airmanship, and continuous professionalism, displayed under the constant threat of hostile fire and adverse weather conditions, immeasurably aided the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron in recovery of a downed American aircrew member. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Orrell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 13, 1972
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 Bennie D. Orrell (AFSN: 0-3230924), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-53C helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Tchepone, Laos, on 13 April 1972. Captain Orrell voluntarily and with great courage, piloted his rescue helicopter against seemingly insurmountable odds in support of the search and rescue mission of a downed American pilot. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Orrell Successfully maneuvered his aircraft to a hover over the survivor and retrieved the downed pilot, virtually from the hands of his would-be captors. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Orrell reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Bennie D. Orrell (AFSN: 0-3230924), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 12, 1991 – July 13, 1994
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Bennie D. Orrell (AFSN: 0-3230924), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, 39th Special Operations Wing, Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, and Royal Air Force Alconbury, United Kingdom, and Commander, 39th Special Operations Wing and 352d Special Operations Group, Royal Air Force Alconbury, United Kingdom, from 12 August 1991 to 13 July 1994. During this period, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Orrell resulted in significant contributions to the conduct of special operations in the European Theater of Operations. In these leadership positions, Colonel Orrell led his command through turbulent times as the post-Cold War realities significantly increased the pace of operations and resulted in two unit moves. Operationally, his forces supported Operation SILVER ANVIL, the emergency evacuation of 439 American citizens and third world nationals from Sierra Leone; Operation PROVIDE PROMISE, for possible personnel recovery missions in Bosnia Herzegovina; and Operation PROVIDE COMFORT II, personal recovery missions in Northern Iraq. The quality initiatives of his unit resulted in the creation of the Tri-wall Aerial Distribution System which has become the standard for airdropping food to the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina. With these unprecedented tasking levels and a move from Royal Air Force Alconbury to Royal Air Force Mildenhall in progress, his group received an Operational Readiness Inspection and earned an excellent rating. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Orrell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 21, 1972
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Order GB-0283 (December 29, 1972)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Bennie D. Orrell (AFSN: 0-3230924), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia on 21 June 1972.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Bennie D. Orrell (AFSN: 0-3230924), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.