CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ADAM LEE BROWN

Chief Petty Officer Brown, deceased (Killed in Action), Hot Springs, U.S. Navy, Iraq (two tours), Afghanistan (two tours), Awards include the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action, the Bronze Star Medal with valor, the Purple Heart Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and three Navy Achievement Medals.

Adam Brown enlisted in the US Navy on July 24th 1998. Initially trained as an interior Communications electrician. He's set his sights on becoming a Navy SEAL. At the age of 25 he was the oldest of 145 recruits to enter the first training phase, basic underwater demolition in Carando, California. He also became one of the few dozen, 173 days later to graduate in May 2000.  Assigned to Seal Team Four Adam Brown went through advanced tactical training while in Virginia Beach Virginia. His job was to carry the platoon M60 machine gun and ammo. With his pack, he was hefting 80 lb. He was part of a SEAL operation of 2500 Fighters divided into nine teams capable of operating in all environments, from Desert to Arctic Tundra. He then shifted to Seal Team Two, Central and South American task force unit, requiring six more months of training. A training accident damaged his right eye and required him to stay in combat support, gathering intelligence when he deployed to Iraq in April 2004. Returning home Brown adapted to his handicap by learning to shoot left-handed at Sniper School in Carando, and graduated in April 2005. Soon his unit was in Afghanistan where a Humvee crushed and severed most of his fingers of his right hand. After recovery he learned to use his left hand to shoot a pistol, a tougher task than firing a sniper rifle. Even though he was handicapped, he's set his sights on SEAL Team Six the premier counter terrorism unit. After the Navy turn down Brown's SEAL application multiple times, the service finally let him into training--with no special consideration. For 6 months, Brown learned to swivel as head so he could achieve near perfect scores shooting with his left hand and using his good eye to sweep a room. He graduated in November 2006 and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. in October 2008, Brown returned to the Kunar Valley, but not just to fight. He had a personal project distributing 500 pairs of shoes to Afghan children. His teammates saw his compassion as an extension of his spirituality as Brown even expressed regret about those he had killed. On the night of February 17th 2010 Brown headed out with this team to go after a Taliban leader codenamed Objective Lake James.  It was during this mission Brown was awarded the Silver Star; the orders read as follows: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and action against the enemy as an assault team member for a Joint Task Force in support of operation enduring freedom on 17th March 2010. Chief Brown served as part of an assault force that executed a daring raid deep into mountainous enemy occupied terrain in northeastern Afghanistan. 2 barricaded enemy fighters open fire from the target building into assault force personnel and non-combatants, while numerous enemy fighters simultaneously engage the force from the surrounding mountains. Reacting immediately, without regard for his own safety, Chief Brown engaged two of the fighters from his position and boldly maneuvered towards the enemy under intense small-arms fire, thus providing life-saving cover for his trapped team mates and non-combatants. The mortally wounded, Chief Brown continued to engage and communicate the location of the enemy fighters. His heroic actions under withering enemy fire change the tide of the battle and inspired those around him to courageously eliminate the remaining enemy fighters. This aggressive operation resulted in the elimination of the targeted Taliban Commander and four fighters following an intense 2-hour firefight. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to do to you, Chief Petty Officer Brown reflected great credit upon himself and upon the highest traditions the United States Naval Service. His wounds were too much to overcome and Chief Petty Officer Brown died as a result of his injuries in this mission.

Staff Sergeant Calkin, Jonesboro, U.S. Army Air Corp, WWII. Awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart Medal, five Air Medals and was presented in 2013 the French Legion of Honor Medal which made him an official knight of France.

Calkin’s first bomber mission, with 142 other B-17’s , was to Rjukan, Norway, the home of Nazi Germany’s nuclear energy project.  On his thirteenth mission to bomb the German’s ME-109 fighter factory in Regensburg, Germany, antiaircraft fire and enemy fighters damaged their bomber so badly they had to ditch in the English Channel.  The water was in the low teens and ice formed over their uniforms before being rescued some thirty minutes later by the British Air Rescue Services.   His 30th and last combat mission was four days before the D-Day Invasion.  It is noteworthy that six of these missions were the bombing of Germany’s capital Berlin.  Though eligible to rotate back to the States, Calkin volunteered for reassignment to fly six more missions to assist transporting troops in B-17s from Naples, Italy to Casablanca in North Africa and Marrakesh.  In 2013, Calkin was presented the French Legion of Honor Medal which made him an official Knight of France.  On 2 June 1944 Staff Sergeant Calkin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  The narrative reads as follows: Paul L. Calkin, Staff Sergeant, 100th Bombardment Group, Army Air Forces, United States Army.  For extraordinary achievement while serving as Right Waist Gunner on a B-17 airplane on many heavy bombardment missions of enemy occupied Continental Europe.  Displaying great courage and skill, Sergeant Calkin, fighting from his gun position has warded off many enemy attacks and has materially aided in the success of each of these many missions.  The courage, coolness, and skill displayed by Sergeant Calkin on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. 

Technician Fourth Grade Collie, deceased, New DeRoche, U.S. Army, WWII. Awards include the Purple Heart Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four bronze service stars.

As a Young Man, Doyle was a star baseball player, but his love for baseball had to take a different direction after losing use of his right hand on Christmas Eve, 1944 while on a volunteer reconnaissance mission during the Battle of the Bulge. On that snowy day he and two other soldiers who had also volunteered for the mission walked up on a German Panzer Tank that had been painted white to match the snow. He was hit by shrapnel in his chest, face, right arm, hand and stomach. His intestines were shot out. His fellow soldiers got him back to camp. When he awoke on Christmas day, he found that he had been placed among the dead bodies of other American soldiers because his wounds appeared to be fatal. After catching the attention of a nurse, he underwent emergency surgery and spent the following two years in hospitals recovering from his injuries. He said it was there he learned about toughness and perseverance. As a disabled veteran, he brought those life lessons back home with him and spent the rest of his life giving to his community and to others.  Retired USMC Sergeant Major Jeff Crowe stated Mr. Collie’s life has served as an example to all of us as we serve one another and our communities. His legacy of service and sacrifice was forged on the battlefield, but continued throughout his life afterwards. a sampling of his service to his community is as follows:  Bismarck School District Board of Education, President of the Kimzey Water Board of Directors, Vice President of the Central Telephone Cooperative, Chief of the New DeRoche Volunteer Fire Department, Director of the New DeRoche ambulance service, Director of the Senior Adult Center, two terms as Hot Springs County Treasurer, Board of Governors of the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, as well as active in the Little League Organization for 40 years. He spent many years as a little league coach, and as president of Bismarck summer sports, President of the Bi-County Little League and Little League District Administrator for Southwestern Arkansas.

Lieutenant Colonel Erdman, Hot Springs Village, U.S. Army Reserves, Desert Storm. Awards include two Army Commendation Medals, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Erdman has been very active in several veteran’s service organizations, and was the Commander of the Arkansas State American Legion Department from 2012 to 2013.

Lt. Colonel Erdman is a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America  and the legion and VFW auxiliary. She is also an active member of Honor Guard, American Association of University Women and a charter member of the World War II Museum in New Orleans. Lt. Colonel Erdman  is the first female in Arkansas to be elected American Legion National Executive Committeeman.   She has also served as the VFW and Legion District Adjunct and Post Adjunct.  She has also served as a member of Congressman French Hill’s Veterans Advisory Council, VFW Children and Youth Chairman, volunteer Disabled American Veterans Van Driver, VA volunteer and she regularly bakes and helps serve meals at Saint Francis House (a transition house for Veterans without homes) in Little Rock. Lt. Colonel Erdman’s past positions include American Legion Alternate NEC, Arkansas American Legion State Commander 2012 to 2013, State Vice Commander, Legion District Commander, Post Commander, Military Officers Association of America Chapter Vice President and Vice President of the Arkansas Veterans Coalition, and served in several  officer positions at the post and district-level. Lt. Colonel has or is serving on the following committees, Arkansas Senator Jan English's task force for Veterans Home, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Home Management Committee, former Congressman Tim Griffin Veterans Advisory Council, Hot Springs Veterans Memorial Board, and several American Legion State and National Committees. She is also listed in “who's-who nursing”, “who's-who in women Executives”, Veterans History Project Washington DC, inducted into Sigma Theta Tau  International Nursing Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She was also awarded woman of the year in 2014 by Arkansas chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution 

First Lieutenant Hardin, deceased (Killed in Action), Conway, U.S. Army, WWII. Awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action, the Bronze Star Medal with valor, and the Purple Heart Medal.

First Lieutenant Hardin received the Army Distinguished Service Cross for actions during World War II in France.  The narrative for his award reads as follows: 

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.  On 5 September 1944, Lieutenant Hardin led his rifle platoon of the 319th Infantry in an assault upon Fort Villey Le Sec near Toul, France. The enemy position, a concrete and steel pill box located on the crest of a hill was well-fortified, and when Lieutenant Hardin’s platoon had advanced a hundred yards it was pinned down by intense machine-gun fire. Lieutenant Hardin, with complete disregard for his own safety, worked his way forward, located the concealed enemy gun position, and wiped it out with his submachine gun. His platoon then advanced until it was again stopped by fire. Again, Lieutenant Hardin courageously braved intense fire, moving forward until he located the gun. He pinned the enemy down with his submachine gun until he was within 30 yards of their position and destroyed them with grenades. While he was so engaged, an enemy soldier wounded him in both legs with grenades. He killed his enemy and after having his wounds dressed by a medical corpsman continued to lead his platoon in the attack. The heroic, inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Hardin; his courageous and supreme devotion to duty exemplify the highest Traditions as a military forces of the United States.

Specialist Four Hollinger Sr., deceased, Prattsville, U.S. Army, Viet Nam. Awards include the Silver Star Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster for Gallantry in Action, the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. 

On 21 June 1969 Specialist Hollinger was awarded The Silver Star.  The narrative for that award reads as follows:

For gallantry in action; Specialist Four Hollinger distinguished himself by heroic actions on 29th May 1969, while serving as a tank driver with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a sweep mission with several infantry units, The joint elements began to receive intense small alarm fire and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large size enemy force. Immediately,  Specialist Hollinger’s tank commander and loader were wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Hollinger stopped the tank, jumped out of the driver's compartment, and helped his wounded crew members to a safe location. Specialist Hollinger then returned to his vehicle and began placing devastating machine gun fire on the hostile positions. He continued to put out a heavy volume of fire until his wounded tank commander was replaced. Under a continuous hail of fire, Specialist Hollinger and the new tank commander maneuvered the tank towards the insurgents until the tank commander was wounded. Again Specialist Hollinger exposed himself to fire to help the wounded man through the dense enemy fire. While medical aid was given to the tank commander, Specialist Hollinger ran back through the bullet swept area to his vehicle and immediately  began firing at the enemy force. His valorous actions were responsible for saving several lives. Specialist Hollinger’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. 

First Lieutenant Holman, deceased (Killed in Action), England, U.S. Army, Viet Nam. Awards include the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action, the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, and the Purple Heart Medal.

In Northern I Corps, the enemy was the North Vietnam Army NVA, not the Viet Cong. The MVA were well trained and highly disciplined troops. You should also be aware that after six months in the field Army Line Officers were normally transferred to safer duty stations in the rear areas. The Executive Officer of Don's company, stated that Don refused to go to the rear when his time on the line was up, rather choosing to remain with his platoon, knowing that he would continue to be in combat operations against NVA units on a regular basis. He was an exemplary example of what a combat leader is supposed to be. On March 10th 1970 First Lieutenant Holman was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in combat, the orders for The Silver Star reads as follows:  First Lieutenant Holman distinguished himself by gallantry action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 10 March 1970, while serving as a platoon leader with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this day Lieutenant Holman led a reaction force into an area of enemy contact. As he reached the area, Lieutenant Holman formed his platoon on line and began an assault upon the well concealed enemy positions. Seeing that one of the vehicles in the assault line had been stopped by a rocket propelled grenade which had injured the crew, Lieutenant Holman immediately interposed his tank between the wounded man and the enemy fire. As the wounded were being evacuated, Lieutenant Holman's vehicle was hit by rocket propelled grenade, causing the turret to burst into flames and trapping one of the crew. Warning his driver of the impending danger, Lieutenant Holman exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to place accurate suppressive fire upon the enemy with his machine gun.  In spite of the intense fire and the enemy rounds, Lieutenant Holman held his position, effectively suppressing the enemy's advance until his crew could be evacuated and the vehicle and the trapped men could be freed. Lieutenant Holman was then mortally wounded by the hostile fire. First Lieutenant Holman’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. 

Tech Sergeant House, Marked Tree, U.S. Air Force, Viet Nam. Awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, eight Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Tech Sergeant House was assigned to the 606th Special Operations Group Flying C-123’s based in Thailand.  While a member of this Black Operations Group, House logged 131 classified combat missions, some 580 hours.  During this period he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine awards of the Air Medal.  In addition to Air Police and Loadmaster training, House underwent Survival Training, General Aeronautics, and the Pacific Air Force Jungle Survial School. His terminal assignment was in the 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Military Airlift Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his actions in a rescue mission being instrumental in the saving of two lives.  The narrative for that Air Force Commendation Medal reads as follows: Technical Sergeant Johnny R. House distinguished himself by meritorious service as a squadron loadmaster while assigned to the 55th Aerospace Rescue-and-Recovery Squadron, Military Airlift Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, from 29 June 1971 to 31 May 1977. During this period, the outstanding job knowledge and deep sense of professionalism displayed by Sergeant House added immeasurably in the accomplishment of the rescue mission and directly in the saving of two lives. The distinguished accomplishments of Sergeant House, culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. 

Sergeant Major Key, deceased, Benton, U.S. Army, Viet Nam. Awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, and the Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters.

On 30 December 1979 Sergeant Major James T. Key was awarded The Legion Of Merit, the narrative reads as follows: For exceptionally meritorious service in consecutive positions as Senior Reenlistment Supervisor, Heidelberg Military Community and the United States Army, Europe Reenlistment Supervisor and Noncommissioned Officer In Charge, Military Procurement Branch, Personnel Actions Directorate, 1st Personnel Command, from February 1977 to December 1979. In this exceedingly responsible position, Sergeant Major Key was the principal advisor to the Commander in Chief, United States Army, Europe for the command reenlistment program. Through his unparalleled leadership and profound understanding of recruiting/retention program management, he had unified and directed an efficient force of more than 220 dedicated reenlistment Noncommissioned Officers to consecutive Department of the army reenlistment awards in fiscal years 1978 and 1979. Sergeant Major Key’s exceptional performance of duty culminates 24 years of dedicated service and reflects the highest credit upon him and the United States Army. 

 Colonel Lasswell, deceased, Piggott, U.S. Marine Corp, WWII. Awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Marine Corp Commendation Medal. During 1942-1944, Lasswell became the key translator and codebreaker in the Communications Intelligence Unit of the Fleet Radio Unit, Pacific. In this capacity, he made very important contributions to the US victory in the Pacific in WWII, saving countless American military lives. 

Colonel Lasswell was commissioned in January 1929.  He was enrolled in a Japanese language program and sent to Japan from 1935-1938 to study Japanese further.  Colonel Lasswell became not only fluent in translating Japanese messages, but also became an expert cryptanalyst (codebreaker).  Some of the highlights of his decoding accomplishments include the following:
-Translated and decoded a Japanese Naval Operation order identifying a planned attack of Midway Island.  Knowing the Japanese plan of attack enabled the US Nave to deliver a devastating blow to the Japanese fleet and to turn the tide of the war in the Pacific theater. 

-On April 13, 1943, Colonel Lasswell decoded a Japanese naval message informing a Japanese outpost on the island of Bougainville that Japanese Admiral Yamamoto, the architect of the attack on Pearl Harbor, would be arriving for a visit.  The information enabled the US Army Air Corps to shoot down Yamamoto’s plane, a major blow to the morale of the Japanese military.

-Later in 1943, Colonel Lasswell uncovered a Japanese plot to retaliate for the death of Yamamoto by using seven submarines to eliminate General Douglas McArthur upon his return to the Philippines.  This information enabled the Navy to destroy the submarines and save General McArthur. 

Major General Lefler, Hot Springs Village, U.S. Army, Viet Nam. Awards include two Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Major General Billie B. Lefler distinguished himself by exceptionally  meritorious service from November 1980 to November 1990 great responsibility culminating as assistant Surgeon General for Dental Services and Chief of the Army Dental Corps. Under his leadership and through his eminently sound managerial and professional advice to the Surgeon General, team members the Army Staff in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense Health Affairs, General Lefler was responsible for the institutionalization of the Army's Dental Care system which is totally dedicated to the well-being of the military community and absolutely responsible to the Army leadership. Throughout his concerted efforts, the Army Dental Corps has become a world leader in implantology with the ramification of placement of not only teeth, but also other lost facial parts from combat injuries. Major General Lefler's service was marked by unsuppressed national and international recognition, providence, and prestige for the practice of Military Dentistry. His outstanding accomplishments during his distinguished career reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army.

Major General McMath, deceased, Magnolia, U.S. Marine Corp, WWII. Awards include the Distinguished Service Medal for Gallantry in Action, and the Legion of Merit Medal for valor.

Major General McMath was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for combat actions in the South Pacific.  The citation reads as follows: For exceptionally  meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer of the Third Marines, Third Marine Division, prior to and during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Bougainvill, Solomon Islands,  from 15th September to 17th December 1943. Working tirelessly with superior intelligence and outstanding initiative,Lieutenant Colonel McMath rendered invaluable assistance in organizing  and training of the third Marines into an effective combat team. Landing at Empress Augusta Bay on D-Day under hostile fire, he maintained close personal contact with the Frontline troops as they advanced, greatly assisting in coordinating the attack. Receiving information that the Japanese had affected a landing in Koromokina Lagoon on the morning of 7 November 1943, and were attacking our positions on the left flank of the Division Beachhead, Lieutenant Colonel McMath proceeded to the scene and established the advance Regimental Command Post.  Exposing himself to hostile fire, he made repeated visits to the forward elements of the command in order to obtain firsthand information of the enemy’s strength and dispositions.  When Japanese snipers infiltrated our lines, Lieutenant Colonel McMath gallantly remained in position, rendering sound advice and assistance in the launching of a coordinated attack by infantry, tank, and artillery which resulted in complete annihilation of the enemy force.  Again at Piva Forks, from 18 to 26 November 1943, he persevered in his determined efforts to dislodge the fanatic Japanese from their strongly fortified positions.  On 24 November, when the Third Marines launched their main effort, he remained at the front despite vicious hand-to-hand fighting all around him.  Late that afternoon, when the first phase line had been reached, communication lines severed by mortar fire, and the enemy still fighting desperately to halt the Regiment’s advance, Lieutenant Colonel McMath left the Command Post and proceeded through intense hostile fire to the front lines, obtaining information which enabled the Regimental Commander to formulate orders for continuing tha attack.  As the attacking troops approached the new phase line, Japanese resistance came to an end.  This successful attack destroyed all enemy opposition to the Empress Augusta Bay Area as an Allied Air base. By his dynamic leadership, indomitable fighting spirit, sound judgment and outstanding professional skill, Lieutenant colonel McMath contributed essentially to the fulfillment of the Regimental mission.  His unwavering devotion to duty and conduct throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Sergeant First Class Mosby, Jonesboro, U.S. Army, Viet Nam. Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, and two Army Achievement Medals. Upon retiring from the Army in 1986, Mosby has been extremely active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Craighead County Veterans Monument Foundation.

Sergeant First Class Mosby has been focused and extremely active in the Veterans of Foreigh Wars, The American Legion, The Disabled American Veterans, the Craighead County Veterans Monument Foundation, and instructing flag etiquette to 5th and 6th graders in Craighead County.  Further, he has been honored to hold several leadership positions in these Veterans Organizations including Commander, Vice Commander in Post and District levels, Service Officer, and has been a member of an Honor Guard at the burial of Veterans in Craighead County.  Sergeant First Class Mosby, accompanied by his spouse Ingerborg and their dog Penny, visits residents in the county’s three nursing homes often purchasing them comfort items at their own expense. 

Lieutenant Commander Rickard, Alma, U.S. Navy, Viet Nam. Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and the Navy Achievement Medal. During the Vietnam War, Rickard served three cruises as a torpedo mate on fast frigates. Upon retiring from the Navy, Rickard founded the Alma High School JROTC program and served 17 years. 

Lieutenant Commander John Roger Rickard developed the Alma High School’s Navy Junior ROTC program and helped lead it for 18 years; August 1995-June 2012 and 2014-2015. During that time, he produced a great reputation and developed great results. Some of those results” 10th highest rated JROTC program in the nation; and Most Outstanding Unit in the nation for the 2004-2005 school year. For seven of its first nine years, Alma High School’s Navy JROTC cadets led the 63-school Area 8 region of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Alabama and Florida. Alma’s Navy JROTC also qualified three times for the Navy National Marksmanship Championship.  Lieutenant Commander Rickard is also a member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) General William O. Darby Rangers Chapter as well as a current board member of the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame. He also is active in his community serving as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church, Alma Arkansas. He is a guest speaker at special events including Alma Rotary Club and American Legion, Ellig-Stoufer, post 32. Gideon, Alma Camp. 

Colonel Wood, Mena, U.S. Army, Viet Nam. Awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Army Soldier’s Medal, the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, two Meritorious Service Medals. twenty-two Air Medals, and three Army Commendation Medals. 

Colonel Wood's Soldiers Medal was awarded to him on 16 June 1967 while assigned to the 174th Aviation Company.  The citation reads: "For heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy.  First Lieutenant Wood distinguished himself by heroic action and personal bravery on 16 June 1967, near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam.  Lieutenant Wood, the aircraft commander of a UH-1D helicopter, was just taking off from a pick-up zone when the helicopter to his rear exploded and burned.  He immediately landed his aircraft and took up a fire extinguisher and, with complete disregard for his personal safety, ran to the burning aircraft and attempted to extinguish the fire which was rapidly enveloping the engine and cargo compartments.  As the fire continued to spread, he entered the inflamed passenger and crew compartments and began pulling the occupants from the aircraft.  He returned time and time again until all passengers and crew had been removed to safety. As he was carrying the last person to safety, the ammunition inside the burning aircraft began exploding.  In spite of this, he returned to his own aircraft and hovered in a position between the burning helicopter and the wounded; whereupon, after all the wounded were loaded, he rushed them to an aid station.  Through Lieutenant Wood’s courage and determination, all personnel were removed from the burning aircraft and evacuated to a medical facility when time was of essence.  Due directly to his quick thinking and exceptional bravery, the lives of several persons were undoubtedly saved.  Lieutenant Wood’s heroic actions and unselfish concern for the lives of his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, Task Force Oregon, and the United States Army."