On Nov. 8, 1967, Air Force Sgt. Larry Maysey, a pararescueman with the 37th ARRS, took part in a daring nighttime rescue in Laos to save a trapped Special Forces team. Despite heavy enemy fire that had already downed two other helicopters, Maysey’s crew aboard "Jolly 26" pushed into the heart of the conflict.

As the helicopter touched down, Sgt. Maysey leaped into a hail of gunfire, racing down a steep slope to reach two wounded soldiers. He heroically fought his way back to the aircraft with the men, but just as they boarded, an RPG struck the engine. The resulting explosion caused the helicopter to invert and crash, tragically claiming Sgt. Maysey’s life. For his extraordinary heroism and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross.

The mission's pilot, Capt. Gerald Young, was one of the few to survive the wreckage. After hiding another injured survivor, Capt. Young intentionally led enemy forces away from the crash site, evading capture for over 17 hours until he was rescued. For his actions in saving his teammate and ensuring the recovery of his crew, Capt. Young was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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