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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Alfred C. Montrem, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States during the Prisoner of War search and rescue operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Major Montrem, as a pilot of a helicopter carrying part of the ground rescue party, flew deep into the heart of enemy territory in a bold night attempt to rescue American Prisoners of War. Although exposed to enemy ground fire which included numerous surface-to-air missiles, Major Montrem successfully penetrated these defenses. With gunners laying down suppressive fire, the United States Army Special Forces were placed in position to assault the camp. With complete disregard for his own safety, he maintained a position to provide assistance and immediate evacuation upon completion of the assault. The personal skill and extreme courage displayed by Major Montrem in this very hazardous rescue attempt contributed immeasurably to the ultimate effectiveness and tactical success of the mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Montrem has reflected 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
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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 Alfred C. Montrem, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-53B in Southeast Asia on 8 February 1968. On that date, Captain Montrem and his crew successfully recovered an F-4C crewmember who had been forced to eject because of battle damage to his aircraft. In spite of the fact that the bail-out location was close to a road often used by hostile forces, the recovery effort was pressed with determination and superior airmanship by Captain Montrem. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Montrem reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
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 Alfred C. Montrem, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as Rescue Crew Commander of a helicopter in Southeast Asia on 11 March 1968. On that date, Captain Montrem, flying his HH-53B rescue helicopter participated in the evacuation of a forward operating site which was under heavy attack and partially overrun by hostile forces. Despite intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, he landed his aircraft at the helicopter pad and successfully evacuated 32 friendly personnel, many of whom were wounded. Later in the day, after the site had been completely overrun, he returned to the area and carefully searched for survivors. He found and evacuated six more personnel from the beleaguered outpost. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Montrem reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Alfred C. Montrem, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.