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 Major Rylan Roy Dreibelbis (AFSN: FR-53667), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the Prisoner of War Search and Rescue Mission at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Major Dreibelbis, as Pilot in a helicopter prepared to carry out the ground rescue party and freed prisoners, 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 missile firings and also threatened by enemy aircraft, he courageously provided rescue coverage for the entire force throughout the mission. The personal skill and extreme courage displayed by Major Dreibelbis in this very hazardous rescue attempt contributed immeasurably to the ultimate effectiveness and success of the mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Dreibelbis 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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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-2323 (July 21, 1971)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 Major Rylan Roy Dreibelbis (AFSN: FR-53667), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Aircraft Commander of an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 February 1971. On that date, Major Dreibelbis’ outstanding airmanship, sound judgment, and exemplary leadership, displayed under hazardous conditions, culminated in the rescue of five Vietnamese helicopter aircrewmen. Major Dreibelbis flew his helicopter to a spot directly over the survivors and held a precise hover while they were hoisted aboard. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dreibelbis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 Major Rylan Roy Dreibelbis (AFSN: FR-53667), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander on an HH-43B rescue helicopter near Mount Whitney, California, on 26 February 1969. On that date, Major Dreibelbis flew to the aid of the survivors of a Navy A-1E aircraft crashed at 12,500 feet up the slope of Mount Kaweah. While buffeted by high winds and heavy turbulence, Major Dreibelbis demonstrated exceptional proficiency by hovering within inches of the sloping mountain to save the three stranded persons. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Dreibelbis reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.