The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Donald Lee Carty (AFSN: 0-49783), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a HH-53C Aircraft Commander, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 12 November 1969. On that date, Captain Carty directed his crew to the successful rescue of a pilot downed in hostile territory. This rescue was made even though the survivor’s position had not been pinpointed, and Captain Carty was constantly exposed to hostile ground fire while flying at low altitude and airspeed attempting to find the survivor. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Carty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
July 22, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-2224 (September 5, 1970)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 Donald Lee Carty (AFSN: 0-49783), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Aircraft Commander, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 22 July 1969. On that date, Captain Carty flew an extremely hazardous mission through adverse weather conditions in an attempt to rescue two American airmen downed deep in hostile territory. Although under the constant threat of hostile ground fire, the mission resulted in the successful rescue of these airmen. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill, he significantly contributed to the successful accomplishment of this dangerous mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Carty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronDivision:
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
December 5, 1969
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-974 (March 5, 1970)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 Donald Lee Carty (AFSN: 0-49783), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in Southeast Asia on 5 December 1969. On that date, Captain Carty was the Aircraft Commander of an HH-53B rescue helicopter and attempted the rescue of two American airmen in one of the most heavily defended hostile areas in Southeast Asia. This attempt was continued until the hostile ground fire became so extreme that the aircraft was in imminent danger of being downed from severe battle damage, and Captain Carty was forced to leave the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Carty has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.