Charles R. Ingulli

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Ingulli, Airman First Class, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-43 Pararescueman near Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam on 20 March 1968. On that date, Airman Ingulli was called upon to rescue a critically injured pilot who had been downed in an extremely hostile area of jungle known as the “Lai Khe rocket belt”. This area was known to be heavily infested with Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army rocket artillery troops. Airman Ingulli was lowered to the ground from the helicopter after nightfall and thoroughly explored the aircraft wreckage in search of the downed pilot. Finding no one, he then expanded his search into the surrounding jungle, disregarding the probable dangers of hostile activity. After ten long minutes of searching with his flashlight, he discovered the semi-conscious, severely burned pilot. Airman Ingulli immediately notified the helicopter crew and requested a litter be lowered to the ground. Working swiftly and skillfully, he secured the injured pilot in the litter and signaled for him to be hoisted aboard the aircraft. Airman Ingulli waited until he could also be lifted to safety and then began immediate first aid. En route to the hospital he administered heart massage and was able to sustain the pilot’s life until he was delivered safely to medical authorities. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Ingulli has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.