Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Charles King, who earned an Air Force Cross and Silver Star during the Vietnam War.
On the Air Force’s 72nd birthday, today’s Veteran of the Day is an Airman who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Charles King was born on March 29, 1946, in Muscatine Iowa. He enlisted in the Air Force in January 1967.
After completing basic training, King began training as a pararescueman, or PJ. He would complete Airborne School, Scuba Diving School, Medical Training, Mountain Climbing Course and the Pararescue Technician Course. In February 1968, King deployed to Detachment 1 of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recover Squadron based in Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.
He received a Silver Star for his actions Sept. 17, 1968. While under heavy ground fire, King descended into the jungle to recover an injured Air Force pilot. He cut the pilot loose from his harness and immobilized the pilot, dragging and hoisting him to safety.
King and his team were tasked with a rescue mission to recover a downed injured pilot in Laos Christmas Day 1968. Once they reached the area, King voluntarily descended more than 100 feet below to rescue the pilot. He secured the pilot to the rescue device and dragged him to a point near to the waiting helicopter. A large enemy force attacked King. Though severely wounded, he refused to secure himself and ordered the waiting helicopter to pull away. In doing so, he was left alone, but his actions likely saved the life of the injured pilot and prevented further loss of life of his own crew. King was listed as missing in action and announced killed in action May 5, 1978.
For his actions in Laos, Charles received the Air Force Cross.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Contributors
Editor: Arletha Ndoume
Graphic artist: Jessica Hunsinger
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Mr King. Pararescue King. Great story of sacrifice but sad ending.
We honor the service of Charles King.