AIR COMMANDO 2 McComb, Randy Steven

The Imperial War Museums' Book of War Behind Enemy Lines
By Julian Thompson, The Imperial War Museum
Dambuster Crash Sites: 617 Squadron in Holland and Germany
By Chris Ward, Andy Lee, Andreas Wachtel

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
McComb
  • FORENAME
Randy Steven
  • UNIT
HQ Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service,Scott AFB,Illinois
  • RANK
Senior Master Sergeant
  • NUMBER
  • DATE OF DEATH
19th November 1983
  • AGE
37
  • GRAVESITE
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Houston,Texas
born 27.2.1946 Houston,Texas
son of Levett Arvel and Jean Joan (nee Bodner) McComb
entered service 9.3.1966
married 11.1.1972 (divorced 16.7.1980) (1 son,1 daughter)
died USA
Randy McComb was born on February 27, 1946, in Houston, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in January 1966, and went on active duty beginning March 9, 1966. After completing basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, Amn McComb was trained as a Pararescueman at Orlando AFB, Florida, from April 1966 to May 1967. His first assignment was as a Pararescueman with Detachment 2 of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS) at Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from May to October 1967, and then with Detachment 1 of the 37th ARRS at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai AFB from October 1967 to July 1968. Sgt McComb then served as a Pararescueman with the 55th ARRS at Kindley AFB, Bermuda, from July 1968 to April 1970, followed by service with the 40th ARRS at Udorn Royal Thai AFB from April 1970 to April 1971. During this time he served as the Pararescueman aboard the HH-53 "Apple Two" during the Son Tay Raid, a clandestine mission to rescue American Prisoners of War in North Vietnam on November 21, 1970. His next assignment was as a Pararescueman with the 54th ARRS at Pease AFB, New Hampshire, from April 1971 to to April 1972, followed by service with the 33rd ARRS at Kadena AB, Okinawa, from May 1972 to November 1974. MSgt McComb served as a Pararescue Instructor with the 1550th Technical Training Squadron at Hill AFB, Utah, and at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, from November 1974 to February 1978, and then as Commandant of Operating Location J of the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing at Lackland AFB from February 1978 to April 1980. His next assignment was as a Pararescueman with the 67th ARRS at RAF Woodbridge, England, from April 1980 to May 1982, followed by service as the Pararescue Standardization NCOIC with Headquarters Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service at Scott AFB, Illinois, from June 1982 until his death while on active duty on November 19, 1983.
 

DATE OF DEATH:

19-Nov-1983

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/mccomb-randy-steven.57267/

CITATION:

Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Airman Second Class Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pararescue Specialist on an unarmed HH-3E rescue helicopter near Nam Dinh, North Vietnam on 18 July 1967. On that date, Airman McComb penetrated deep into hostile territory to recover a downed United States Navy pilot. While being subjected to an intense barrage of automatic weapons fire, he deliberately exposed himself in order to assist in locating and retrieving the survivor. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Second Class McComb has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Silver Star (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the Prisoner of War Search and Rescue Operation at Son Tay, North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Sergeant McComb performed aircrew duties on the lead aircraft of the force penetrating deep into enemy territory in the attempted rescue effort. Completely aware of the enemy anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missile threats en route and in the objective area, Sergeant McComb totally disregarded his personal safety and skillfully performed his duties which significantly contributed to effective control of the entire force. As a result of Sergeant McComb's heroic efforts, the force arrived at Son Tay as planned, the enemy forces were completely surprised, and the mission was successfully completed. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Airman Second Class McComb has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Airman's Medal : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman's Medal to Staff Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life as a Pararescue Specialist in Southeast Asia on 16 September 1967. On that date, Sergeant McComb descended on a forest penetrator to render assistance to an injured survivor. After unselfishly giving his own protective gear to the downed pilot, Sergeant McComb held him securely on the rescue device as it was being towed through dense jungle foliage, offering the protection of his own body to prevent further injury. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant McComb reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" to Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Pararescue Specialist of an HH-3E rescue helicopter in Southeast Asia on 11 November 1967. On that date, Sergeant McComb flew into an extremely hostile ground environment to attempt the rescue of a downed U.S. Air Force pilot. Driven from a hover by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, he again returned, and for a second time was driven off. Moments later, and without fighter escort of any kind, Sergeant McComb 's helicopter descended below a low cloud layer and performed visual reconnaissance for a second helicopter until his aircraft was driven off for a third time by anti-aircraft fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McComb reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross (Gold Star) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-3E Pararescue Specialist in Southeast Asia, on 11 March 1968. On that date, Sergeant McComb participated in the successful evacuation of thirty-two friendly soldiers from a mountain-top fortress which was being overrun by hostile fire. Despite the constant threat of unfriendly fire, Sergeant McComb continued to render medical assistance to the wounded survivors until they were safely returned to friendly positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McComb reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Gold Star) : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Randy S. McComb, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Pararescue and Recovery Technician in Southeast Asia, on 9 January 1971. On that date, Sergeant McComb flew an extremely hazardous mission through adverse weather conditions and through the constant threat of hostile ground fire. In spite of this, he superbly accomplished this highly intricate and important mission in support of free world forces combating aggression. Through Sergeant McComb's personal bravery and energetic application of his skill and knowledge, he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant McComb reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24530
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