The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The MEDAL OF HONOR to

CLYDE EVERETT LASSEN

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7, Detachment 104, embarked in USS PREBLE (DLG-15). place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 19 June 1968. Entered service at: Jacksonville, Fla. Born: 14 March 1942, Fort Myers, Fla. Citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as pilot and aircraft commander of a search and rescue helicopter, attached to Helicopter Support Squadron 7, during operations against enemy forces in North Vietnam. Launched shortly after midnight to attempt the rescue of 2 downed aviators, Lt. (then Lt. (j.g.)) Lassen skillfully piloted his aircraft over unknown and hostile terrain to a steep, tree-covered hill on which the survivors had been located. Although enemy fire was being directed at the helicopter, he initially landed in a clear area near the base of the hill, but, due to the dense undergrowth, the survivors could not reach the helicopter. With the aid of flare illumination, Lt. Lassen successfully accomplished a hover between 2 trees at the survivors' position Illumination was abruptly lost as the last of the flares were expended, and the helicopter collided with a tree, commencing a sharp descent. Expertly righting his aircraft and maneuvering clear, Lt. Lassen remained in the area, determined to make another rescue attempt, and encouraged the downed aviators while awaiting resumption of flare illumination. After another unsuccessful, illuminated rescue attempt, and with his fuel dangerously low and his aircraft significantly damaged, he launched again and commenced another approach in the face of the continuing enemy opposition. When flare illumination was again lost, Lt. Lassen, fully aware of the dangers in clearly revealing his position to the enemy, turned on his landing lights and completed the landing. On this attempt, the survivors were able to make their way to the helicopter. En route to the coast he encountered and successfully evaded additional hostile antiaircraft fire and, with fuel for only 5 minutes of flight remaining, landed safely aboard USS JOUETT (DLG-29) . His courageous and daring actions, determination, and extraordinary airmanship in the face of great risk sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The NAVY CROSS to

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM D. YOUNG
UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION

For extraordinary heroism in action on the night of 6 August and early morning of 7 August 1972 while serving with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN, Detachment 110, embarked on USS SARATOGA (CVA-60). As copilot of a combat search and rescue effort for a United States Navy Pilot downed in North Vietnam, Lieutenant Young, in the face of intense enemy fire, rendered valuable assistance in carrying out a low level flight with the helicopter's lnding lights turned on in order to facilitate the search. Although his aircraft was repeatedly hit byenemy ground fire, he continued the search until the downed pilot was visually located and picked up. Lieutenant Young then flew back to the safety of  SARATOGA at treetop level with his crippled aircraft. By his outstanding  airmanship, courage, and devotion to duty, he contributed materially to the success of an extremely hazardous mission and upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The NAVY CROSS to

LIEUTENANT (JUNIOR GRADE) JEFFRIE E. WIANT, JR.
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION

For extraordinary heroism on 30 August 1968 as pilot of a search and rescue helicopter, serving with detacnment 110, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN, embarked on USS STERETT (DLG-31). Lieutenant (jg) Wiant launched from STERETT to attempt recovery of a Navy attack pilot downed near Vinh, North Vietnam, in a are requiring a circuitous flight of approximately fifty miles over enemy territory. Despite heavy antiaircraft fire, combined with small arms fire en route to and in the rescue area, he skillfully and expeditiously maneuvered his aircraft over the downed pilot and commenced a pickup. Although his aircraft was hit several times while in hover, he steadfastly remained in position until the airman was hoisted aboard. Lieutenant Wiant's courage and calm professionalism while piloting his helicopter through a veritable hail of antiaircraft fire were key factors in the successful accomplishment of his mission. His superb aerial skill, valor, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United Stated Naval Service.

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The NAVY CROSS to

LIEUTENANT CLARENCE L. COOK
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION

For extraordinary heroism while serving as copilot of a search and rescue helicopter, attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN, detachment ONE HUNDRED FOUR, embarked aboard USS PREBLE (DLG-15) operating as a unit of the United States Seventh Fleet, in connection with the rescue of two downed aviators in North Vietnam on 19 June 1968. Providing exceptional support to the pilot of his aircraft throughout this daring night rescue mission which was carried out despite extremely formidable enemy opposition, Lieutenant Cook rendered invaluable assistance in locating and maintaining references to the position of the survivors, and in utilizing his machine gun to suppress hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire which was directed at the rescue helicopter with growing intensity during four difficult decents which culminated in the successful rescue of the survivors. By his professional skill, prompt actions, and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Cook contributed in large measure to the success of this rescue mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The NAVY CROSS to

LIEUTENANT HARRY J. ZINSER
UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION

For extraordinary heroism in action on the night of 6 August and early morning of 7 August 1972 while serving with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN, Detachment 110, embarked on USS SARATOGA (CVA-60). As pilot in command of a combat rescue helicopter during nearly five hours of a coordinated search and rescue effort for a United States Navy pilot downed in North Vietnam, Lieutenant Zinser, in the face of intense enemy fire, commenced a low level flight and turned on his landing lights in order to facilitate the search. Although his aircraft was repeatedly hit by enemy ground fire, he continued the search until the downed pilot was visually located. Lieutenant Zinser then carried out a skillful landing, picked up the downed airman and succeeded in flying his crippled aircraft at treetop level back to the safety of SARATOGA. By his outstanding aeronautical skill, courageous leadership, and inspiring dedication, Lieutenant Zinser reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The NAVY CROSS to

PETTY OFFICER ANTHONY C. HANSON
UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION

For extraordinary heroism on 2 July 1967 while serving as combat aircrewman aboard a search anad rescue helicopter embarked is USS REEVES (DLG-24). When the helicopter rescue of a wounded U. S. Air Force Pilot, downed by hostile fire, was rendered impossible due to extensive jungle growth, Petty Officer Hanson, with full knowledge that the ememy ground forces were closing the rescue scene, descended 150 feet from his helicopter to the wounded pilot, disengaged the lattter from his parachute and, carrying the downed airman one hundred yards through the dense undergrowth, fastened him to the hoisting eqipment and guided him into the hovering helicopter. By his heroic action and fearless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Hanson was directly instrumental in saving a life. His inspiing efforts were keeping with the highest traditons of the United States Naval Service. .

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

COMMANDER LLOYD PARTHEMER
UNITED STATES NAVY

CITATION

For meritorious service as Commanding Officer, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN FROM September 1967 to September 1968 during combat operations against the enemy. During this period, Commander PARTHEMER was responsible for directing his unit in providing Helicopter Search and Rescue and Logistic Support detachments operating with SEVENTH Fleet ships off the coast of Vietnam and in the Gulf of Tonkin. His exceptional leadership and organizational ability resulted in the rescue of numerous combat pilots downed by enemy fire and in outstanding logistic support provided for units conducting Sea Dragon, Naval Gunfire Support, PIRAZ and air operations. Commander PARTHEMER's outstanding performance and superior professionalism reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Commander PARTHEMER is authorized to wear the Combat "V".

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

The DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

LIEUTENANT JAMES C. SPILLMAN
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

CITATION

For heroism, while participating in aerial flight as the helicopter aircraft commander of a combat search and rescue helicopter attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SEVEN, Detachment ONE ONE ZERO. On 17 May 1972, Lieutenant SPILLMAN was involved in the daring rescue of a downed A-7 CORSAIR pilot located in the area of Cap Mui Ron off the hostile coast of North Vietnam. While hovering over the survivor, Lieutenant SPILLMAN's helicopter came under intense fire from nearby shore batteries. Despite numerous explosions in the immediate area, Lieutenant SPILLMAN steadfastly held his position. As the artillery fire increased in intensity and accuracy, he maintained a calm, professional manner and refused to depart until the swimmer and survivor were attached to the rescue cable. Lieutenant SPILLMAN's superb airmanship, devotion to duty, and courage under fire reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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