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Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Jerry M. Griggs (AFSN: 3081409), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action near the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 30 March 1968. On that date, Major Griggs flew over hostile territory in low overcast weather to reach the survivors from six American helicopters which had been shot down by hostile fire. After his aircraft received substantial battle damage from intense opposing ground fire, Major Griggs, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, persisted in the rescue attempt until he rescued four survivors, although he sustained further battle damage from the intense hostile ground fire. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Griggs reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-147 (March 24, 1969)
Action Date: 30-Mar-68
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Company: 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron
Regiment: 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group
Division: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam
See more recipients of this award
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
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 Jerry M. Griggs (AFSN: 3081409), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia, on 20 October 1968. On that date, Captain Griggs voluntarily penetrated one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam to successfully effect the rescue of two downed pilots who were the subject of an intense artillery barrage. He established his aircraft as a decoy to draw fire away from them and for almost one hour, his aircraft was the object of heavy artillery fire. When a smoke screen was placed between the survivors and the hostile forces, he unhesitatingly brought his aircraft to a motionless hover over the two pilots and in the center of impacting ordnance recovered both men and safely exited the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Griggs has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2998 (July 25, 1969)
Action Date: 30-Mar-68
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Company: 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron
Regiment: 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group
Division: DaNang Air Base, Vietnam
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