TFH 7/2-3: Capt. Gregory Etzel & Maj. Richard Mehr, USAF

Forty-five years ago on July 2 & 3, 1967, two United States Air Force pilots distinguished themselves while flying a rescue mission into North Vietnam to retrieve a shot-down American airman.

Gregory A. M. Etzel was born on April 9, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York. He entered the Air Force in June, 1957 via Air Force ROTC at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was trained as a helicopter pilot and was part of Detatchment 2 of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, based at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base.

Richard Lawrence Mehr was born on December 30, 1930 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He also was commissioned via ROTC at the University of Louisville in 1952. He was trained and served as a supply officer before he took to the skies. He flew close air support in the Douglas A-1 Skyraider.

Both of these brave fliers received the Air Force Cross - the second-highest award possible - for their courage during the rescue.


Air Force Cross Citation for Captain Gregory A. M. Etzel (Military Times' Hall of Valor):

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 Captain Gregory A. M. Etzel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-3E Pilot of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Air Rescue and Recovery Group, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action on 2 and 3 July 1967. On 2 July, Captain Etzel flew his helicopter into one of the most heavily defended areas of North Vietnam to rescue a downed F-105 pilot. Unable to effect a pickup because of oncoming darkness and intense small arms fire that damaged his aircraft, Captain Etzel withdrew from the area. After landing at a friendly base, he volunteered to continue rescue operations the next day. After minimum rest, he took off at first light and flew through intense automatic fire, dodged deadly missiles, and evaded attacking MiGs in search of the downed pilot. In the face of heavy small arms fire that severely damaged his helicopter, he located and rescued this valuable pilot. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Etzel reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Captain Etzel also recieved the Distinguished Flying Cross for another rescue mission later in 1967. He retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel on July 1, 1979. I believe he is still living.


Air Force Cross Citation for Major Richard L. Mehr (Military Times' Hall of Valor):

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 Richard Lawrence Mehr (AFSN: 0-64900), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an A-1E Pilot in the 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia an on 2 and 3 July 1967. On 2 July, Major Mehr flew through intense hostile fire to provide cover for an F-105 pilot downed in a heavily defended area of North Vietnam. With the onset of darkness and diminishing fuel, Major Mehr returned to base for minimum rest. He volunteered to continue rescue operations that were set up for the next day and took off at first light. Amidst MiG fighters, deadly missiles, anti-aircraft fire, and hostile small arms fire, he located the downed pilot. Braving this deadly arsenal that damaged his aircraft, he continued to direct air strikes against the hostile positions and thereby protected the downed pilot and permitted a helicopter to rescue the pilot from the area. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Mehr reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Just a week later, Major Mehr flew escort for another rescue mission that earned him the Silver Star. He also was decorated with the Legion of Merit during his career, and was a three-time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from the Air Force as a Colonel on August 1, 1972. Richard Mehr passed away on June 5, 2005 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.