Joseph Barrett, his co-pilot Frank Fabijan, and medic Thomas Thornton, rescued Marine Corps Major David Cleeland, who had been shot down. All three airmen were awarded the Silver Star for this daring rescue. On July 12, 1957, President Dwight Eisenhower became the first U.S. president to fly in a helicopter when a U.S. Air Force H-13J-BF Sioux helicopter flown by Major Joseph E. Barrett left the White House lawn to fly the president to Camp David.
Sponsored by:
Joseph
E.
Barrett
Home:
Rule
,
Texas
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
3d Air Rescue SquadronDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
Korean War
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 246 (May 21, 1953)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph E. Barrett (AFSN: 15982A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an (H-19) Rescue Helicopter of the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in Korea, in 1953. Captain Barrett carried out a helicopter rescue 70 miles behind enemy lines to recover a Marine Corps pilot who had been shot down on a frozen reservoir and was surrounded by enemy, only 400 yards distant on one shore and 200 yards distant on the other. With bullets pinging off his helicopter on both sides, his helicopter flew in and hovered over the ice fifteen feet from the downed aircraft until the downed pilot could run to it for recovery. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Barrett, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.