Don P Olsen

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Don P. Olsen, Major, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH- 3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 5 October 1968. On that date, Major Olsen volunteered to attempt the extremely hazardous extraction of a Special Forces Team after their insertion helicopter had been shot down and the team surrounded by hostile forces. Despite low cloud cover which prevented the use of fighter escort, Major Olsen, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage and professional skill, penetrated the hostile area and established a hover adjacent to the burning aircraft. In the face of hostile fire, Major Olsen held a prolonged hover and effected the rescue of the two crash survivors and the six surviving team members. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Olsen reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.