Osburn E. Mckinzie

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Osburn E. McKinzie, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy as Pilot, Detachment 1, 3d Air Rescue Squadron on 2 June 1951. In a slow and highly vulnerable H-5 helicopter, Captain McKinzie flew to the rescue of a United Nations pilot who had parachuted near Chon-gong-ni, Korea, deep in enemy territory. Advised that no enemy troops were in the area, Captain McKinzie flew directly to the site, located the pilot, and began an approach. As the helicopter neared the ground, enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire forced Captain McKinzie to climb away. Although fighter aircraft strafed and napalmed the area, a second attempt to land was thwarted by enemy fire. With determination, Captain McKinzie made a third attempt, and although his helicopter was struck several times, he managed to land near the downed pilot. While on the ground, Captain McKinzie directed the strafing runs of friendly fighter aircraft against enemy troops entrenched approximately 75 yards on either side. When the pilot was helped aboard with the aid of the accompanying medical crewman, Captain McKinzie took off and returned to safety. As a result of Captain McKinzie’s courage, perseverance and devotion to duty, a United Nations pilot was saved from certain death or capture while heavy casualties and destruction were inflicted on the enemy. By his actions Captain McKinzie reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Osburn E. McKinzie, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, on 20 March 1951. Lieutenant McKinzie displayed a high degree of heroism by attempting the rescue of a United Nations pilot forced down behind enemy lines. Upon reaching the location, Lieutenant McKinzie attempted to land his unarmed aircraft, but was met with an extremely heavy barrage of small arms fire which made landing impossible. After escorting fighter strafed the area, he made three more attempts to land, but each time he was met by a hail of enemy fire. On the final attempt, Lieutenant McKinzie flew within range of enemy sub-machine gun fire, which struck the helicopter in the control area and accessory section. With smoke pouring from the aircraft and controls difficult to manage, he affected a safe landing in friendly territory. Lieutenant McKinzie’s technical skill, courage, and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.