John D. Nusbaum

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John D. Nusbaum, Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Specialist on an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 5 October 1968. On that date, Sergeant Nusbaum volunteered to fill the Flight Engineer’s position 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. En route to the distress site he learned that a rescue helicopter had been shot down while attempting the extraction, fatally injuring two crew members. Despite low cloud cover, which prevented the use of fighter escort, Sergeant Nusbaum, with completed disregard for his own personal safety, penetrated the hostile area and directed his helicopter to a hover adjacent the burning crash site. During the prolonged hover, Sergeant Nusbaum stood exposed to the hostile fire in the open doorway and effected the rescue of two crash survivors and six surviving team members. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Nusbaum has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.