John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Zehnder
  • FORENAME
Herbert R.
  • UNIT
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Training Center,Eglin AFB
  • RANK
Lieutenant Colonel
  • NUMBER
  • AWARD
Silver Star, Legion of Merit x 2, Distinguished Flying Cross
  • PLACE
North Vietnam 1970 (Son Tay)
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
pilot
born 10.5.1924
son of Edward and Marie Zehnder, Ambridge, Pennsylvania
married Mary (for 61 years) (2 children)
died 4.3.2008 Fort Walton Beach, Florida
 

CITATION:

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 Lieutenant Colonel Herbert R. Zehnder, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a Helicopter Pilot during the Prisoner of War search and rescue operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Colonel Zehnder volunteered to rescue and extract United States military personnel held as Prisoners of War deep inside the territory of North Vietnam. Colonel Zehnder was faced with the most intense counter-air environment in the history of aerial warfare involving surface-to-air missiles. He flawlessly executed the necessary 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 members of 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. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Zehnder has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Legion of Merit : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Herbert R. Zehnder, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as SEVENTH Air Force Director of Rescue, and as Commander of the Third Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, and Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, from 8 January 1973 to 7 January 1974. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Zehnder contributed significantly to the effectiveness and success of air rescue and recovery forces during the extended conflict in Southeast Asia. His superb guidance and direction contributed significantly to the saving of eighty-four lives. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Zehnder reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Legion of Merit (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Herbert R. Zehnder, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, from 7 January 1974 to 31 August 1975. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Zehnder resulted in significantly improving the combat capability and efficiency of the Wing. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Zehnder culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross : Lieutenant Colonel Herbert R. Zehnder, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight .

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/50696
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