Lonnie L. Mixon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Air Force Award) to Lonnie L. Mixon, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while attached to the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (USAF). Lieutenant Commander Mixon distinguished himself as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 1 July 1968. On that date, Commander Mixon penetrated a heavily defended area of North Vietnam to attempt the rescue of an injured downed pilot. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Commander Mixon twice established a hover in the face of hostile fire to attempt the recovery of the injured airman. Twice Commander Mixon was forced to withdraw due to the intense hostile ground fire that had driven off another rescue helicopter and substantially damaged his own aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Commander Mixon has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.