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Kenneth J. Musnicki Final Flight on March 26, 2014
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Kenneth J. Musnicki, USAF (Retired) 1948 - March 26, 2014
Kenneth J. Musnicki, age 66, passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., on March 26, 2014.
He is survived by his daughters, Perla Marin, Fort Walton Beach, and Christine Snipes, Fort Walton Beach; granddaughters, Jasmine Marin, Shalimar, and Haley Snipes, Fort Walton Beach, and many friends and PJ brothers. Ken was a retired U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper. He earned numerous decorations during his 23 years of service, including two Silver Stars, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and 8 Air Medals.
A gathering celebrating Ken's life will be held at the Fantasy Lounge, 1429 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547, on April 12, 2014, at 1 p.m. The Family invites all that knew him to attend and share their memories of this wonderful man that will be missed so much by all that knew him.
To share memories and condolences, please visit: www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.
Published in Northwest Florida Daily News on Apr. 8, 2014
SILVER STAR The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Musnicki, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 27 June 1972. On that date, Sergeant Musnicki, a Pararescue Recovery Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into North Vietnam to effect the daring aerial rescue of a downed Air Force pilot. For over one hour, he manned an unprotected minigun position and willingly subjected himself to continual ground fire to provide protective cover for his vulnerable aircraft. His professional performance, at great risk to his own life, was instrumental in the recovery of this imperiled airman virtually from the hands of his would be captors. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Musnicki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: 27-Jun-72 Service: Air Force Rank: Staff Sergeant Company: 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron Division: Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force
SILVER STAR The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth J. Musnicki, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Detachment 12, 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 18 November 1972. On that date, Sergeant Musnicki, a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to rescue two downed American airmen. At great risk to his own life, he willingly exposed himself to hostile ground forces while manning the minigun position. Sergeant Musnicki's professional skill suppressing the ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft was directly responsible in the successful completion of this hazardous rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Musnicki has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. General Orders: Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0394 (March 28, 1973) Action Date: 18-Nov-72 Service: Air Force Rank: Staff Sergeant Company: 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron Division: Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force GUEST BOOK April 13, 2014 I will miss Ken. The ultimate professional PJ and aircrew team member. Well liked and admired by all, including Flight Engineers like me. Great times and missions at the 31st and other exotic places. Jolly 's or BUFF'S Ken was the man! Our next "happy hour" with Jolly Green West (Sacramento), we will have ONE OR MORE in Ken's honor. Richard "Ricco" Ches ( aka Rick) MSGT Retired Flight Engineer H-3/H-53 ~ Richard "Ricco" Ches, Sacramento, California April 10, 2014 Sad news. Ken was a great person and PJ. He will be missed. ~ Rick Simmon April 10, 2014 Had a beer tonight in memory of Ken. Remember many a night at PJ's bar in beautiful Angeles City. RIP to a great guy. Served together in my favorite squadron: 31st ARRS, Clark AB ~ Mike Stoyle, Sacramento, California April 09, 2014 Ken and I flew together in our younger days of 1970. God Bless You Ken. ~ Wladimir Bilyk, Hamura, Japan April 09, 2014 Ken was a professional all the way. We flew often and shared much down time. He stood tall even among his PJ brothers. I too will miss Ken. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ken's family. ~ Tom Green, Navarre, Florida April 09, 2014 I flew many missions with Ken, he was a professional in everything he did. I will miss him, Ken was a friend as well. I will carry the memory of a great man for the rest of my days. My heart goes out to his family and many friends that new him. ~ Woody R. Freeman, TSgt USAF Retired, Valparaiso, Florida
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"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE" ~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~ "HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY ~NEVER FORGOTTEN~ |
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