The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Rowland W. Purser, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-53 Helicopter Pilot of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action on 15 May 1975 at Koh Tang Island, Cambodia. On that date, Captain Purser made two tries under heavy fire before landing 29 Marines on the island. He picked up another group of Marines in Thailand and returned to Koh Tang Island. In the evacuation of the Marines fro Koh Tang Island, Captain Purser's helicopter was severely damaged and he had to return to the U.S.S. CORAL SEA, which was nearby. Getting his helicopter repaired, he returned to the island to pick up 54 Marines and return them safely to the CORAL SEA. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Purser reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

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