On July 2, 1968, after three helicopters were driven off by intense enemy fire, Coast Guard Lt. Lance Eagan flew his HH-3E Jolly Green Giant straight into a heavily defended jungle to rescue downed Air Force pilot Lt Col Jack Modica. Despite taking over 40 rounds of enemy fire, Eagan held a steady hover while A1C Joel Talley was lowered through thick canopy. After 15 tense minutes, Talley located the wounded pilot and secured him for extraction. Under heavy fire, all made it out alive.

Lt. Eagan was awarded the Silver Star. A1C Talley received the Air Force Cross.

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Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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