- SURNAME
Kalen
- FORENAME
Herbert Donald (Herb)
- UNIT
37 and 48th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadrons
- RANK
Major
- NUMBER
0-56767
- AWARD
Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster
- PLACE
South East Asia 1967(SS, DFC with olc) North Vietnam 1970 (Son Tay) (AFC)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Tarrytown, New York
born 8.1.1929 Tarrytown, New York
son of Alexander Aloysius Kalinoski and Theodora Roosevelt (nee Haverbeck) Kalen
entered service 18.9.1953
commissioned 2Lt and awarded pilot wings 18.12.1954
helicopter pilot until June 1957
qualified fighter pilot
6520th Test Group (Hanscom Field, Massachusetts) until January 1964
Air Force Systems Command (Eglin AFB) January 1964-January 1967
37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron January 1967-January 1968
48th ARRS (Eglin AFB) January 1968-February 1971
HQ ARR Service, Scott AFB February 1971-April 1974
Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
retired 30.9.1979 as Colonel
married Kathy March 1966 (1 daughter Kristy,1 son Gregory 1971-71)
resided Angel Fire, New Mexico (30 years)
resided last few years Panama City Beach, Florida
died 27.8.2016 Panama City Beach, Florida
cremated
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
CITATION:
Air Force Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Herbert D. Kalen (AFSN: 0-56767), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as an Aircraft Commander of an HH-3E Rescue Helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, as part of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Major Kalen volunteered to rescue and extract United States military personnel held as Prisoners of War deep inside the territory of North Vietnam. Major Kalen was faced with the most intense counter-air environment in the history of aerial warfare involving surface-to-air missiles. He masterfully executed the complicated maneuvers to evade the enemy's air defense systems. Knowing that a grave danger existed in that the guards within the Prisoner of War compound may have been alerted, he valorously, fearlessly and successfully flew the helicopter with an assault group into the compound yard, knowing that he must crash-land the helicopter in an area much too small for safe landing. Once the landing was completed, he further assisted the assault group in its ground operation mission. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Kalen reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Herbert D. Kalen (AFSN: 0-56767), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Crew Commander of an HH-3E Helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia, on 20 November 1967. On that date, Major Kalen was returning from a Gulf of Tonkin orbit when a fighter aircraft was shot down in an extremely hostile area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Kalen made a low-level penetration of the area in the face of intense hostile fire and effected a successful rescue of the downed pilot. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Kalen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Distinguished Flying Cross : Major Herbert D. Kalen (AFSN: 0-56767), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
Distinguished Flying Cross (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Herbert D. Kalen (AFSN: 0-56767), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E pilot in Southeast Asia on 3 October 1967. On that date, Major Kalen penetrated one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia and was instrumental in the rescue of a downed pilot. Major Kalen deliberately exposed his aircraft as a target to attract hostile fire and make the rescue possible. Major Kalen's skillful evasive maneuvering prevented the serious damage or loss of his aircraft and crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kalen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Herbert D. Kalen (AFSN: 0-56767), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Crew Commander of an HH-3E Helicopter of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia, on 20 November 1967. On that date, Major Kalen was returning from a Gulf of Tonkin orbit when a fighter aircraft was shot down in an extremely hostile area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Kalen made a low-level penetration of the area in the face of intense hostile fire and effected a successful rescue of the downed pilot. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Kalen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Distinguished Flying Cross : Major Herbert D. Kalen (AFSN: 0-56767), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
Distinguished Flying Cross (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Herbert D. Kalen (AFSN: 0-56767), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E pilot in Southeast Asia on 3 October 1967. On that date, Major Kalen penetrated one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia and was instrumental in the rescue of a downed pilot. Major Kalen deliberately exposed his aircraft as a target to attract hostile fire and make the rescue possible. Major Kalen's skillful evasive maneuvering prevented the serious damage or loss of his aircraft and crew. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Kalen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3589
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