Johnny L. Riddick

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Johnny L. Riddick, Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 21 March 1970. On that date, Sergeant Riddick was a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53 rescue helicopter which recovered an injured United States Air Force pilot who had been downed in a heavily defended hostile stronghold. During the extensive rescue effort, three rescue helicopters were forced to withdraw due to extensive battle damage from the intense and accurate hostile fire. On the fourth attempt, the rescue was successfully accomplished; but only because Sergeant Riddick voluntarily descended on the rescue hoist to assist the severely injured man, and secure him to the rescue device. Although continuing hostile fire was directed at both Sergeant Riddick and the vulnerable hovering helicopter, Sergeant Riddick persisted tenaciously and saved the airman from imminent capture or death. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Riddick has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.