GREEN BERETS McKinney, Dan H.

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
McKinney
  • FORENAME
Dan H.
  • UNIT
7 SF Group (Company D)
  • RANK
Captain
  • NUMBER
  • AWARD
Silver Star
  • PLACE
North Vietnam 1970 (Son Tay)
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

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 Captain (Infantry) Dan H. McKinney, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 November 1970 as a member 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. This valiant effort was motivated by deep compassion for his imprisoned fellow men-at-arms, and by a strong sense of military duty and national pride. Immediately after debarking from the assault helicopter inside the prisoner of war compound, Captain McKinney led his element against the defending enemy force. He maneuvered his elements against the northwest guard tower, clearing it by rifle fire and grenades. He then fearlessly and efficiently cleared the northern portion of the compound, causing the enemy to flee. He displayed exceptional courage by exposing himself to possible counterattacks while providing covering fire for his men as they searched the prison cell blocks. Captain McKinney's conscious disregard for his personal safety, extraordinary heroism against an armed hostile force, and extreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24541
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