Jack Lamar Barker

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jack Lamar Barker, Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Major Barker distinguished himself while piloting an observation helicopter during extraction operations of South Vietnamese troops near Fire Support Base Brown, Laos. As his aircraft approached the pickup zone, the enemy unleashed a barrage of automatic weapons fire upon his helicopter, forcing the attempt to be aborted. On the second approach, the enemy flak was so intense that the rescue effort was again aborted. Sustaining severe battle damage to his aircraft, Major Barker flew his crippled airship back to Khe Sanh. Realizing that the wounded personnel needed immediate evacuation, Major Barker mounted another helicopter and again departed to the besieged pickup zone. As his aircraft made its final descent, it was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade round, causing the ship to explode in mid-air. Major barker expired in the ensuing crash. Major Barker’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2264-247 (June 29, 1971)