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 (Corps of Engineers) Charles Neil Larsen, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 57th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 March 1971. Captain Larsen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a lift helicopter on a recovery mission west of Ben Het. An aircraft was reported down outside the perimeter of a small Allied outpost. After extraction of the crew, another aircraft was shot down while attempting to extract a small security force, crashing within 20 meters of the first aircraft. Captain Larsen immediately inserted the remainder of the security force, receiving numerous hits to his aircraft which wounded his gunner. Calling for gun cover, he again returned to the crash site a second time despite the barrage of fire and again receiving suppressive enemy fire, he maneuvered through dense growth and rough terrain and picked up the crew of the second downed aircraft by ladders. Returning to a secure airfield to drop off the rescued crew and to replace his wounded gunner, Captain Larsen returned to the crash site for a third time and successfully rescued the remaining members of the security force. His valor, professionalism, and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Soldier’s Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Corps of Engineers)Regiment:
1st Aviation BrigadeAction Date:
March 21, 1971
Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 239 (January 23, 1973)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Charles Neil Larsen, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 21 March 1971. Captain Larsen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in the rescue of two unconscious pilots from a burning armed helicopter near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. While on final approach to Dak To airstrip the fully armed Cobra gunship in front of Captain Larsen’s aircraft lost its tail rotor causing it to spin violently and crash in flames. Unhesitatingly Captain Larsen landed his aircraft near the flaming wreckage and fought his way through the dense undergrowth to the burning gunship. The ruptured fuel cells of highly volatile jet fuel were spilling into the already raging fire. Breaking open the Plexiglas canopy he struggled to free the unconscious pilot and dragged him clear of danger. Disregarding the potential danger that the rockets and 40-mm. grenades might explode from the intense heat, killing himself and the unconscious pilots, he entered the fire a second time. Appearing to be engulfed in flames he emerged dragging the last pilot. Falling to his knees exhausted he beat the flames from and smothered the back of the pilot with his hands. Still fully aware of the potential danger should the armament explode, Captain Larsen rallied his crew to load the two still unconscious pilots into his aircraft. . Within moments after his aircraft was airborne the conflagration exploded sending burning debris in every direction. Captain Larsen’s courage and spontaneous reactions were directly responsible for saving the lives of the two pilots. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers)Regiment:
1st Aviation BrigadeAction Date:
May 5, 1970
Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 10082 (October 13, 1970The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Charles Neil Larsen, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 May 1970. First Lieutenant Larsen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of an Army helicopter during an emergency re-supply mission. A friendly ground force had been in heavy contact with a large enemy force, and they had been unable to accept aerial re-supply and were running low on ammunition, food and water. Although the friendly unit had been receiving indirect enemy fire all morning, and although his radio was not in operation, Lieutenant Larsen volunteered to attempt the re-supply effort. Despite heavy enemy fire, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into the small landing zone. Although he continued to receive enemy fire while unloading supplies in the landing zone, he held his aircraft on the ground beyond normal safe limits to allow the ground unit to load the seriously wounded soldiers on board his aircraft. He ignored heavy enemy fire throughout the day to bring desperately needed supplies and to evacuate the wounded. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Lieutenant Larsen successfully completed eight sorties in aid of the ground unit thus allowing the unit to continue to engage the enemy. His exceptional valor and outstanding flying ability were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.