Medal of Honor citation Clyde Everett Lassen

lassen (at left) , 3 other men shortly after receiving medals of honor president lyndon b. johnson (center).

rank , organization: lieutenant, u.s. navy, helicopter support squadron 7, detachment 104, embarked in u.s.s. preble (dlg-15). place , date: republic of vietnam, june 19, 1968. entered service at: jacksonville, fla. born: march 14, 1942, fort myers, fla.

citation:

for conspicuous gallantry , intrepidity @ risk of life above , beyond call of duty pilot , aircraft commander of search , rescue helicopter, attached helicopter support squadron 7, during operations against enemy forces in north vietnam. launched shortly after midnight attempt rescue of 2 downed aviators, lt. (then lt. (j.g.)) lassen skillfully piloted aircraft on unknown , hostile terrain steep, tree-covered hill on survivors had been located. although enemy fire being directed @ helicopter, landed in clear area near base of hill, but, due dense undergrowth, survivors not reach helicopter. aid of flare illumination, lt. lassen accomplished hover between 2 trees @ survivors position illumination abruptly lost last of flares expended, , helicopter collided tree, commencing sharp descent. expertly righting aircraft , maneuvering clear, lt. lassen remained in area, determined make rescue attempt, , encouraged downed aviators while awaiting resumption of flare illumination. after unsuccessful, illuminated rescue attempt, , fuel dangerously low , aircraft damaged, launched again , commenced approach in face of continuing enemy opposition. when flare illumination again lost, lt. lassen, aware of dangers in revealing position enemy, turned on landing lights , completed landing. on attempt, survivors able make way helicopter. en route coast encountered , evaded additional hostile antiaircraft fire and, fuel 5 minutes of flight remaining, landed safely aboard u.s.s. jouett (dlg-29).