Vietnam vet who rescued dozens of US soldiers awarded Medal of Honor

[JANFU]

Vietnam vet who rescued dozens of US soldiers awarded Medal of Honor | Fox News

Kettles repeatedly returned to a landing zone under heavy fire. He is credited with helping to save 40 soldiers and four members of his unit. During the final evacuation effort, he was advised that eight soldiers had been unable to reach the helicopters, so he returned without benefit of artillery or tactical aircraft support.

The Army said his helicopter was hit by a mortar round that damaged the main rotor blade and shattered both front windshields. Small arms and machine gun fire also raked the helicopter.

"In spite of the severe damage to his helicopter, Kettles once more skillfully guided his heavily damaged aircraft to safety," the Army said in describing his actions. "Without his courageous actions and superior flying skills, the last group of soldiers and his crew would never have made it off the battlefield."

 

[Beaudreaux]

I saw President Obama present the medal today live. I was awestruck listening to what Kettles did, and what he said about it. I was also impressed with the way the President handled himself during the ceremony as well.

 

[fmw]

I saw President Obama present the medal today live. I was awestruck listening to what Kettles did, and what he said about it. I was also impressed with the way the President handled himself during the ceremony as well.

It wasn't about Obama. It was about an American hero and hero he was.