This "abomination" has been, according to the USCG, "the Coast Guard's most prolific multi-mission aircraft for over 20 years." I guess their happy with it.
Posted on 09/16/2009 7:52:06 AM PDT by imbecile
by Lt. Col. Steve Gregg 41st Rescue Squadron
6/30/2009 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A French helicopter pilot assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron recently won two Air Medals for his service in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Captain Guillaume Vernet, an HH-60G pilot, and his crew are credited with saving 22 coalition lives and assisting in saving another 28 lives during a recent 60-day tour in Afghanistan.
"Captain Vernet's service is a testament to the joint and coalition support the Air Force is providing in Afghanistan, which often goes without recognition," said Lt. Col. Edward Lengel, 41st Rescue Squadron commander. "The sacrifice put forth by him and his family in the name of Air Force rescue is inspiring."
"Captain Vernet's outstanding performance during his deployment was noted by both the deputy commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Group and the commander of the 301st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron," said Colonel Lengel. "He performed exceptionally well during one sortie when his wingman sustained a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade. His efforts were instrumental in getting a wounded soldier in the crippled aircraft to medical care without delay."
(Excerpt) Read more at moody.af.mil ...
Congratulations and thank you Captain Vernet. There are 50 families who will see their sons and daughters return thanks to your skill and bravery. A much deserved honor.
Can’t be happening. How could a Frenchman be heroic? \s
Good on ya, France!
It just goes to show that there are plenty of good Frenchmen left, just like the ones who helped our forefathers defeat the British... and the ones who voted for Sarkozy.
Hmmm, I've never heard of the French flying Pave Hawks - that's a US Air Force helicopter. Don't know what the French use for pilot rescue.
Maybe you should read beyond the title...
Thank you Capt. Vernet for your service and your fearless dedication to the men and women on the ground.
Just one buggaboo in this article. Military folks don’t “WIN” any medals, they “EARN” them.
SZ
Gallic ping.
I know that the French have awarded American soldiers medals but what kind of decorations can a member of foreign military get from the U.S.?
Read what was posted but didn't go to the link - hmm, I see "exchange program" - that means some of our pilots are stuck flying some Euro-Copter abomination.
Doesn't seem fair........
Sounds like he was flying USAF equipment as a NATO exchange officer.
Virtually anything that a U.S. Chain of Command recommends and the approving authority approves for them. When I was in Korea, it was routine for KATUSA soldiers to receive AAMs or ARCOMs as end of tour awards. They had to be approved through the (U.S.) embassy, but that was somewhat just a formality.
This "abomination" has been, according to the USCG, "the Coast Guard's most prolific multi-mission aircraft for over 20 years." I guess their happy with it.
During the Vietnam era, the Air Medal was one of the most debased medal. You could see people with numerals of 10, 20, and 30 for their repeats of this medal. Hopefully, they have tightened up the criteria for this medal to make it more meaningful.
Only to the ignorant.
Uncalled for personal attack.
I express an educated opinion on an inanimate object and you respond with an anonymous personal attack - nice
Do you teach that tack to your children?
the civiilian world ie media NEVER udnerstands ... one DOES NOT EARN medals ..one is AWARDED medals. Idiots.
To EARN is to purposely set out an action to get something.
To be AWARDED is for the HONORABLE person who has the integrity to do his job, and in the adverse situation of danger, do the right thing, despite danger and to act courageously getting the job done.
Hournalists ... the only thing they ever have EARNED is the moron medal!!!
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