Story Highlights
- historical event: Pilot James P. Fleming did a heroic deed for which he received the highest U.S. military decoration – the Medal of Honor. The recipients of that award have numerous benefits; for example they usually receive salutes even from generals.
On this day American helicopter pilot James P. Fleming made a heroic act for which he later received the highest U.S. military decoration – the Medal of Honor. The recipients of that award have numerous benefits; for example they usually receive salutes even from generals.
On this day Fleming saved a unit of Green Berets during the Vietnam War. Six members of the unit found themselves cut off on the river bank, while enemies were shooting at them from three sides. Fleming flew in with his helicopter, although he was under enemy fire, and landed on the river bank, balancing so that his tail remained standing above the water.
After several attempts, the six Green Berets were able to get hold of the helicopter, although the enemy soldiers were already a few meters away from them and fired at the helicopter. Fleming took off under enemy fire and flew the soldiers to safety.
